Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Concussion?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve problems, and a primary care doctor can treat a concussion. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury. It involves a short loss of normal brain function. It happens when a hit to the head or body causes your head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. A concussion is also called a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). A concussion may not be life-threatening, but it can still be serious.
Mild brain injuries do not always lead to loss of consciousness. Most people never pass out. A person can have a mild brain injury and not realize it.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a headache or neck pain. You may also have nausea, ringing in your ears, dizziness, or tiredness. You may feel dazed or not your normal self for several days or weeks after the injury.
Symptoms of a milder brain injury or concussion can include:
- Acting somewhat confused, feeling unable to concentrate, or not thinking clearly.
- Headache.
- Loss of consciousness for a fairly short period of time.
- Memory loss, called amnesia, of events before the injury or right after.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Seeing flashing lights or light sensitivity.
- Feeling like you have lost time.
- Sleep problems.
Symptoms of a concussion may not start right away. They may start days or weeks after the injury.
Causes and who gets it
Concussions are a common type of sports injury. Other causes include blows to the head, bumping your head when you fall, being violently shaken, and car accidents.
The sudden movement can also cause chemical changes in the brain.
The risk of long-term changes in the brain is higher after more than one traumatic brain injury (TBI).
How doctors diagnose it
To diagnose a concussion, your health care provider will do a physical exam and will ask about your injury. You will most likely have a neurological exam, which checks your vision, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Your provider may also evaluate your memory and thinking.
In some cases, you may also have a scan of the brain, such as a CT scan or an MRI. A scan can check for bleeding or inflammation in the brain, as well as a skull fracture, which is a break in the skull.
Treatment
Most people recover fully after a concussion, but it can take some time. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal.
In the very beginning, you may need to limit physical activities or activities that involve a lot of concentration. Examples are studying, working on the computer, or playing video games. Doing these may cause symptoms such as headache or tiredness to come back or get worse.
When your health care provider says that it is OK, you can start to return to your normal activities slowly.
For a mild brain injury, no treatment may be needed. Your providers will explain how to manage any headaches, how to treat your other symptoms, and when to return to sports, school, work, and other activities.
Children will need to be watched and make activity changes. Adults also need close observation and activity changes. Both adults and children must follow their provider's instructions about when it will be possible to return to sports.
You will likely need to stay in the hospital if there is a skull fracture. Bleeding under the skull or in the brain can also mean a hospital stay.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your health care professional if any of your symptoms get worse, or if you have a headache that gets worse and does not go away.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if a person has more serious symptoms, such as:
- Convulsions or seizures.
- Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Confusion that does not go away.
- Slurred speech.
- Unconsciousness for a longer period of time or that continues.
Also call 911 or go to the emergency room for any change in alertness and consciousness, for pupils of the eyes that are not equal in size, or if the person cannot be woken up.
Contact your provider if symptoms do not go away or are not improving after 2 or 3 weeks.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Your provider explains how to manage symptoms and when to return to school, work, and sports.
Common questions
Do you always pass out with a concussion?
No, most people never pass out. Mild brain injuries do not always lead to loss of consciousness.
Can concussion symptoms start later?
Yes, symptoms of a concussion may not start right away. They may start days or weeks after the injury.
Is a concussion serious?
It can be, even though it may not be life-threatening.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Most people recover fully, but it can take some time. Healing from a traumatic brain injury may take days to weeks, or even months.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
