A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that temporarily disrupts normal brain function, typically caused by a blow to the head or a jolt that causes the brain to move quickly inside the skull. This forceful movement initiates chemical changes within the brain, leading to symptoms like headaches, confusion, and dizziness. While concussions are often classified as a mild injury because they are not life-threatening, a full recovery requires strict adherence to limitations. Recovery demands comprehensive rest, and understanding which activities to avoid is crucial for a safe return to regular life.
Immediate Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore
After any head injury, recognize symptoms that indicate a medical emergency. A severe or worsening headache that does not improve over time requires immediate professional evaluation. Repeated vomiting or nausea can suggest rising pressure within the skull.
You must seek emergency medical care if the injured person experiences seizure activity, convulsions, or a loss of consciousness lasting longer than one minute. Other critical signs include slurred speech, significant confusion, an inability to be awakened, or noticeable changes in the size of the pupils, such as one being larger than the other. These symptoms point to a more serious brain injury, such as bleeding or swelling, and necessitate prompt medical intervention.
Prohibited Physical Activities and Exertion
You must avoid any activity that increases your heart rate or blood pressure, as this can exacerbate symptoms and slow the brain’s healing process. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and high-impact movements like running or jumping are strictly prohibited immediately following the injury. The brain needs to manage an energy crisis following a concussion, and increasing physical demands diverts resources away from necessary repair.
The most serious prohibition is against any activity that risks a second head impact, which can lead to Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)—a rare but catastrophic condition where a second concussion before full recovery causes rapid brain swelling. For this reason, all contact sports, high-speed activities, and those involving rapid head movements, such as roller coasters or horseback riding, must be avoided entirely until a healthcare professional clears you for a gradual return.
Even seemingly mild activities that cause jarring or shaking, like roughhousing or riding a bicycle, should be put on hold, as they can worsen existing symptoms like dizziness and poor balance. The initial period requires relative rest, meaning you should limit physical activity to light, symptom-free movements, such as short, slow walks. Pushing through symptoms only prolongs recovery, so you must rest if an activity causes an increase in headache or nausea.
Cognitive Strain and Screen Time Limitations
The brain requires cognitive rest to heal its disrupted function. Activities that demand intense concentration or complex mental processing place undue stress on the recovering brain and should be avoided. This includes extensive reading, taking exams, complex problem-solving, and returning to a demanding work or school schedule too soon.
Excessive screen time is a major activity you must limit, especially in the first 48 hours, as studies indicate this can significantly prolong symptom duration. Researchers found that patients abstaining from screens for 48 hours had a median recovery time of 3.5 days, compared to 8 days for those who did not abstain. Devices like smartphones, computers, and video games require constant visual processing and attention, which can trigger or worsen symptoms like light sensitivity, headaches, and eye strain.
Bright, loud, or highly stimulating environments, such as concerts, crowded malls, or busy restaurants, should also be avoided. The brain’s ability to filter sensory input is compromised after a concussion, making these environments overwhelming and likely to induce symptoms. Limiting exposure to these sensory stressors is as important as avoiding mental exertion, allowing the brain to dedicate its energy to recovery.
Medications and Substances to Strictly Avoid
You must strictly avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they interfere with brain function and can significantly slow the healing process. Alcohol also masks symptoms, making it difficult to monitor for signs of worsening injury that might require emergency attention. This interference can also increase the risk of further injury.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin, must be avoided in the acute phase immediately following the injury. These medications can thin the blood, and if there is any undiagnosed internal bleeding in the brain, NSAIDs could increase the risk of a hemorrhage or worsen the bleed. You must consult a healthcare provider before taking any pain medication.
If pain relief is necessary, your doctor may recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it does not carry the same bleeding risk as NSAIDs. However, even Acetaminophen should be used judiciously, as overuse can lead to medication-overuse headaches, and any medication can potentially mask a red flag symptom. Other substances that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping pills or sedatives, should also be avoided unless specifically approved by a physician, as they can obscure changes in your level of consciousness.