TBI & Concussion

A concussion can cause scary symptoms. You might feel dizzy or fuzzy-brained, have memory issues and headaches. But most symptoms don't last. Concussion recovery happens naturally. These mild injuries don't cause permanent brain damage.

Don't Ignore the Signs of Concussion

Concussions and brain injuries tend to be invisible. Even brain scans like CTs and MRIs typically don’t show damage.

Concussions can be caused by a direct hit to the head, face, and neck. They can also happen if you're hit elsewhere, but the blow causes whiplash. Symptoms from a concussion may start soon after the injury or you may not feel them until days or weeks later.

So pay attention to the signs. If you hit your head and you're having symptoms, you need to rest. Concussions are mild brain injuries. Rest can help you recover.

Critical: Rest & Care

If you don't let your brain heal, you're at risk for getting more concussions. A second hit to your head - or more - within a short period of time can cause major brain damage. 

If you do have symptoms that don't go away, you'll want to talk to your provider. If you have to struggle and suffer. At UVA, we have specialists and services to help you heal.

Traumatic Brain Injury Experts

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can seem like a concussion at first. But unlike concussions, a TBI can have a major impact on your life. The symptoms can hurt your ability to function. They are more severe and last longer.

Our nationally known brain injury specialists have helped set care guidelines for the NFL and U.S. military veterans. And we have one of central Virginia’s only centers to test this kind of brain injury and function. We evaluate and treat people living with TBI, seizure disorders, and brain infections.

How the Brain Reacts After a Concussion

The neurochemical reactions following a physical blow of any kind, not just to the head, are responsible for the symptoms of a concussion. The brain operates on glucose. A severe impact can stop the body from delivering glucose to the brain. This results in an energy crisis in the brain.

The lack of glucose, or energy, in the brain can cause a person to experience:

• Dazed feelings
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Double or blurred vision

Symptoms start to disappear as the chemicals in the brain return back to normal.

Concussion Recovery Means Self-Care

The first thing a concussion requires for healing: Rest. Not only does the brain need to reset, but people should avoid physical activity that could risk another injury while recovering from the first.

• Get good rest
• Eat well
• Avoid alcohol
• Gradually return to exercise under the supervision of an athletic trainer

Concussion Recovery Time

Recovery time depends on gender and age, but is usually 5-10 days for a healthy adult. Both the very young and the very old tend to take as much as 30 days or longer to fully recover.

Questions? See our frequently asked questions.