Going home after your visit
Concussion in sport — getting back safely
What to do after a concussion, and how to return to sport step by step.
You have had a concussion — a brain injury that changes how the brain works for a while — during sport. Most people recover fully. Follow your head-injury warning signs, and this step-by-step plan for getting back to sport. The motto is: "if in doubt, sit them out".
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 or go straight to A&E if any of these happen
These can be signs of a more serious brain injury and need checking now.
- Knocked out, or very hard to wake
- Being sick (vomiting) again and again
- A severe headache, or one that keeps getting worse
- Weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking or understanding
- Problems with eyesight or hearing, or trouble with balance or walking
- A fit or seizure (convulsion)
- Clear fluid or blood from an ear or the nose
- Getting more confused, or acting strangely
CALL 999 if someone collapses, has a fit, or is too unwell to get to hospital.
The first 1–2 days
- Rest your body and your brain — go easy on screens, study and busy places.
- Do not be alone for the first 24 hours.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not drive until you feel completely back to normal.
- You may take paracetamol for headache if you can take it.
Returning to sport — go gradually
- Only move up a step with no symptoms, and stay at least 24 hours at each step.
- The steps: rest, then light exercise, sport-specific exercise, training, then play.
- Allow at least 3 weeks before any contact or competition.
- Return only once a health professional says you have fully recovered.
- Never return to play on the same day as the injury.
Symptoms that usually settle
These are common after concussion and normally ease over the first 1–2 weeks:
Mild headacheDizzinessTirednessPoor sleepTrouble concentratingFeeling irritable
See your GP if symptoms have not gone after 2 weeks (4 weeks for a child).
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above