Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, face, neck or body that jolts the brain. It temporarily affects how the brain works, causing symptoms such as headache, dizziness and poor concentration.
A concussion happens when a sudden force makes the brain move inside the skull. This disturbs how brain cells work for a time, even though standard brain scans are usually normal. You do not need to be knocked out to have a concussion. It can happen in contact sports, falls, cycling or a knock against a hard surface. Anyone with a suspected concussion should stop playing straight away and must not return to sport on the same day.
Most concussions settle with time, but a head injury can occasionally cause bleeding in or around the brain. This is why warning signs must be taken seriously. If there is a loss of consciousness, a seizure, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, increasing confusion, weakness, numbness, slurred speech or neck pain, go to A&E immediately or call 995. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
The doctor first checks for signs of a more serious brain or neck injury. If any are present, you will be sent to A&E straight away for urgent assessment and a scan.
The doctor asks how the injury happened, whether there was any memory loss or loss of consciousness, and uses a structured symptom checklist to track how you are.
This includes checking strength, sensation, reflexes, eye movements, balance and the neck, which can also be strained in the same injury.
Brain scans are not needed for most concussions but are arranged urgently through A&E if warning signs appear. If symptoms persist, you may be referred to a neurologist or other specialist.
Your plan depends on what the assessment finds. These are the options we most often discuss.
A short period of reduced activity and screen time for the first day or two is usually advised. After that, gentle daily activity such as walking is encouraged as long as it does not clearly worsen symptoms.
Study or desk work is increased step by step, with breaks and adjustments as needed. Many people start with shorter days or reduced screen time and build up as symptoms allow.
When appropriate, light exercise such as a stationary bike, kept below the level that brings on symptoms, may help recovery. The level is set and progressed by your doctor.
Learn moreIf dizziness, balance problems or neck pain persist, targeted exercises for balance, eye movement and the neck may help.
Learn moreReturn to sport follows a stepwise plan, only after you have returned fully to study or work. Contact training and matches need medical clearance first.
Learn moreSimple pain relief such as paracetamol may help headaches. Avoid alcohol, and do not drive until your doctor says it is safe. Good sleep habits also support recovery.
Many adults feel back to normal within about two to four weeks, although recovery varies and younger people may take longer. Symptoms often improve steadily with sensible activity. A return to sport usually happens only after full return to study or work, and follows a stepwise plan with at least a day at each stage. There should never be a same-day return to play. If symptoms last beyond about four weeks, further assessment and specialist input may be needed.
Most people with concussion do not need a scan, and a normal scan does not rule concussion out. A CT scan is needed if there are warning signs such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, loss of consciousness or increasing confusion. In that case, go to A&E, where the scan can be done urgently.
No. Strict rest for a long time is no longer advised. A day or two of reduced activity is usually followed by gentle activity, such as walking, that does not clearly worsen symptoms. This is then built up step by step.
No. Anyone with a suspected concussion should stop and not return to play that day, even if they feel better. Symptoms can appear or worsen over the following hours. Return to sport should follow a graded plan under medical guidance.
Many people can return to office work early, sometimes with shorter days, more breaks and less screen time at first. If concentration or headaches worsen, the workload is eased and then built up again. Your doctor can provide guidance on adjusting your duties.
No. Inflexion Clinic is a private GP clinic, so you can book directly. Book online or call the clinic on +65 8997 0659.
Our clinicians will take a proper history, examine you, and give you a clear plan on the day.