Common concussion questions
Reviewed November 2026 by Online Concussion Clinic, a Perth-based telehealth concussion physiotherapy service. How this site is run
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions people most often ask after a concussion, based on the Australian and international concussion guidelines.
- Can you sleep after a concussion?Yes. Sleep is safe after a concussion and is part of recovery, so you don't need to keep someone awake. Have a responsible adult stay with them for…
- How long does a concussion last?Most people recover from a concussion within about four weeks. Many adults feel better within days to two weeks, while children and teenagers often…
- When can my child go back to school after a concussion?Most children can go back to school within a few days of a concussion, once they've had 24 to 48 hours of relative rest and schoolwork doesn't…
- Can you drive after a concussion?Don't drive after a suspected concussion until a health professional says it's safe. Concussion can slow your reaction time and concentration even…
- Do I need a scan for a concussion?Usually not. Concussion doesn't show up on a CT or MRI scan, so scans can't diagnose it or show how you're recovering. A doctor may order a CT scan…
- What pain relief can I take after a concussion?Paracetamol is usually the first choice for headache after a concussion. The Australian guidelines advise avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatories…
- When can I exercise after a concussion?Light exercise such as walking or an exercise bike can usually start 24 to 48 hours after a concussion, and it helps recovery. Keep it easy enough…
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if there is:
- Loss of consciousness, or getting drowsier or harder to wake
- A seizure or convulsion
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Weakness, tingling or burning in the arms or legs
- Increasing confusion, agitation, restlessness or unusual behaviour
- A visible deformity of the skull
For children, the emergency department at Perth Children's Hospital (Nedlands) is open 24 hours. If you're unsure, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours) for nurse advice.
Find concussion care in Perth
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Where this information comes from
- Patricios JS, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport – Amsterdam, October 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:695–711. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2023-106898
- Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6), from the same conference.
- Australian Institute of Sport. Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024, and the Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport. ausport.gov.au/concussion
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. Your own health professional's advice comes first, and your sport or school may have its own concussion rules.