Concussion Clinic - First 14 Days

What you should do for the first 1-14 days after a Concussion

After a concussion you need to take it easy and rest for 1-2 days. This time allows your brain and body’s response to the injury to begin to heal. After this period of rest, start gradually increasing physical and cognitive activities.

Follow up with a medical provider (Primary Care or Children’s MN Concussion clinic 651-220-5230)

• Begin light activities such as going for short walk or riding a stationary bike.
• During this time, you may increase your non-contact physical activities.
• If symptoms continue, you may be seen by other members of the concussion team, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychology.

Physical Activity Recommendations 

• Do normal activities: eat meals with your family, follow your normal sleep/wake schedule, perform all personal hygiene activities, and spend time each day sitting at a table/desk as if you were at school (even if all you do here is socialize with family and friends).
• Getting moving early is important: start with walking and gradually increase non-contact activities. These activities help recovery.
• Let your symptoms guide you: Some increase in symptoms are expected with increase of physical activities. If discomfort increases more than 2 points on a 10 point scale take a short rest.
• Avoid activities with risk of contact, falls, or collisions.
• For athletes that need return to play clearance, physical therapy evaluation is required.

Cognitive Activity Recommendations

• For the first 1-2 days: Limit activities such as working on a computer, driving, watching TV, reading, texting, studying, playing video games, or other activities that cause symptoms to appear or get worse.
• Gradually increase school work, reading, and electronic use, taking short breaks as needed.
• See the CDC’s “Returning to School after a Concussion: A Fact Sheet for School Professionals” (https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/schools/tbi_factsheet_teachers-508-a.pdf) for more information on what to do about school during the rest and recovery period.
• Medical providers may recommend educational accommodations.

Reviewed 3/2024

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