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Brain Health & Advice

This guidance is for individuals who have had a concussion diagnosed or feel they may have a concussion. It provides practical steps for recovery and safe return to activity.

Seek urgent medical help NOW by reaching out to your local accident and emergency services if you develop any of the below:

Repeated vomiting 

A seizure or convulsions 

Severe or worsening headache 

Unequal pupils or new visual changes (double/blurred vision) 

Signs of skull fracture (clear fluid/blood from ears or nose, bruising behind ears) 

Amnesia (memory loss) or increasing confusion/disorientation 

Slowed thinking/processing, agitation or combative behaviour 

Drowsiness or deteriorating level of consciousness 

Severe neck pain or tenderness 

Weakness, numbness or paraesthesia anywhere in the body 

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit or force to the head or body that affects how the brain functions. Routine scans (X-ray, CT, MRI) usually appear normal, but symptoms should be taken seriously to reduce the risk of a second impact and support recovery.

Symptoms can include headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, feeling 'in a fog', and sensitivity to light or noise. Symptoms may begin immediately or emerge up to 72 hours after an impact, and in some cases can evolve over days or weeks.

How long will recovery take?

Every person and concussion is different. Most people recover within 2–4 weeks. If symptoms last longer than 4 weeks, this may be Post-Concussion Symptoms and you should seek review. Do not return to any contact activity until symptoms are fully resolved. If you struggle with ongoing symptoms, consult a GP and a clinician experienced in concussion rehabilitation (e.g., a specially trained physiotherapist).

Possible concussion, what now?

  • If you have any red-flag symptoms (above), seek immediate medical attention by reaching out to your local accident and emergency services
  • If you have no red flags, contact your GP to arrange an appointment. 

Returning to Learning and Sport can be difficult after a concussion.

Check out HIT's advice on steps to recovery to ensure safety and injury limitation.

Returning to learning after a concussion can be challenging and requires the right support.

Find out more

Returning to learning after a concussion can be challenging, as symptoms can affect focus.

Find out more

If you wish to find out more information on how to recognise a concussion and explore current guidelines on how to manage recovery please visit: 

NHS: Head injury and concussion guidance (click here)

Concussion in sport group, Amsterdam 2022 consensus (click here)

NHS inform (Scotland): Concussion (click here)

CDC HEADS UP: Returning to sports (click here)

Additional Resources:

Br J Sports Med Concussion Recognition Tool designed to help identify concussion amongst children, adolescents and adults. (click here)