Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion:
Information for Adults
Discharge Instructions
You were seen today for a mild traumatic brain
injury (mild TBI) or concussion.
Use this handout to help you watch
for changes in how you are feeling
or acting and to help you feel better.
Be sure to let a family member or
friend know about your injury and
the types of symptoms to look out
for. They may notice symptoms
before you do and can help you.
Schedule a follow-up appointment
with your regular doctor.
Due to your injury, you may need to take some
time off from things like work or school. If so, ask
your doctor for written instructions about when
you can safely return to work, school, sports,
or other activities such as driving a car, riding a
bike, or operating heavy equipment.
Watch for Danger Signs
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot that
crowds the brain against the skull can develop
after a TBI. The people checking on you
should call 911 or take you to an emergency
department right away if you have:
• A
g
headache that gets worse and does not
o away
• Significant nausea or repeated vomiting
• Unusual behavior, increased confusion,
restlessness, or agitation
• Drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or
decreased coordination
• Convulsions or seizures (shaking or
twitching)
• Loss of consciousness (passing out)
More information on mild TBI and concussion, as well as tips to help you
feel better, can be found at www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury.
Learn About Your Injury
Mild TBI and concussions are brain injuries. A mild TBI or concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the
head or body that causes:
The head and brain to move
quickly back and forth.
The brain to bounce or twist
in the skull from this sudden
movement.
Chemical changes in the brain
and sometimes stretching and
damage to the brain cells.
Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild” brain injuries because they are usually not life-threatening.
Even so, their effects can be serious.
Mild TBI and concussion signs and
symptoms are part of the normal
healing process.
Some mild TBI and concussion symptoms (listed
at right) may appear right away, while other
symptoms may not appear for hours or days
after the injury. Symptoms generally improve
over time, and most people will feel better within
a couple of weeks. If you have symptoms that
concern you or are getting worse, be sure to talk
with your doctor.
Symptoms of mild TBI and concussion
may affect how you feel, think, act,
or sleep.
Symptoms of mild TBI and concussion are
different for each person. Most people will have
one or more symptoms that affect how they
feel, think, act, or sleep. Symptoms may change
during recovery. For example, you may have
headaches and feel sick to your stomach right
after the injury. A week or two after your injury
you may notice other symptoms, like feeling more
emotional than usual or having trouble sleeping.
Symptoms of Mild TBI and Concussion
Physical
• Bothered by light or noise
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Feeling tired, no energy
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting (early on)
• Vision problems
Thinking and Remembering
• Attention or concentration problems
• Feeling slowed down
• Feeling foggy or groggy
• Problems with short-term memory
• Problems with long-term memory
• Trouble thinking clearly
Emotional
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability or easily angered
• Feeling more emotional
• Sadness
Sleep
• Sleeping
less
than usual
• Sleeping
more
than usual
• Trouble falling asleep
Understand Your Recovery
Start your recovery by resting. As symptoms improve, you may gradually return to
regular activities.
Recovery from a mild TBI or concussion means you can do your regular activities without experiencing
symptoms from the injury. Recovery may be slower among older adults. People who have had a brain injury in
the past may also find that it takes longer to recover.
The First Few Days
• Start your recovery by resting. Symptoms are generally more severe the first few days after the injury.
• You may need to take a short time off from work or school, although usually no more than 2 to 3 days.
• Ask your doctor for written instructions about when you can safely return to work, school, or other
activities, such as driving a car.
As You Start to Feel Better
• As you start to feel better after the first few days of your injury, you can gradually return to regular
(non-strenuous) activities, such as taking a short walk.
• Avoid activities that make your symptoms come back or get worse.
• For a short time, you may need extra help or support, such as rest breaks or fewer hours at work
or school.
When Symptoms Are Nearly Gone
• When your symptoms are mild and nearly gone, return to most regular activities.
• If your symptoms do not get worse during an activity, then that activity is OK for you.
• If your symptoms get worse, you should cut back on that activity.
Taking these steps may help speed your recovery:
• Avoid activities that can put you at risk for another injury to your head and brain.
• Stay connected to friends and family and talk with them about how you are feeling.
• Ask your doctor about medications that are safe to take during recovery to help with symptoms (for
example, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches).
• Limit screen time and loud music before bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake-
up schedule.
Do not return to sports and recreational activities on the same day of your injury;
wait until you get the OK from a doctor.
A repeat brain injury that occurs before the brain has fully healed may slow your recovery or increase the
chance for long-term problems. This risk is especially a concern for teens and young adults. Returning to
sports and recreational activities is a gradual process and should be carefully managed and monitored by
your doctor.
If you do not think you are getting better or your symptoms are getting worse, tell
your doctor.
Keep track of your mild TBI or concussion symptoms and share this information with your doctor. This
information may help them identify the best treatments for your symptoms. You may also need to see
a specialist who has experience treating brain injuries. Your doctor can help link you to brain injury
specialists and services in your area.
If the injury is affecting your ability to work or go to school, talk with your employer or school about
support services that may be available to you. If your injury was work-related, make sure you report it
right away to your employer and your workers’ compensation office.
More information on mild TBI and concussion, as well as tips to help you feel
better, can be found at www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury.
Additional Notes:
The information provided in this handout or through links to other sites is not a substitute for medical or
professional care. Questions about diagnosis and treatment for concussion should be directed to your
doctor or other healthcare provider.
