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Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery

IRIS IRIS
February 21, 2026
10 mins read
IRIS

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that happens when your brain moves or twists inside your skull, which can result in temporary loss of normal brain function.

Let's understand the scenario with an example: Think of your brain as a high‑speed computer enclosed within a protective case. When that case is unexpectedly jolted by a fall, a collision, or a sudden stop, the delicate circuits in it can get “shaken up,” despite the intact outer shell. This is something similar that can happen during a concussion.

If you ask, “Does a concussion need medical attention?” Yes, all kinds of head injuries, including concussions, require prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious brain damage and future complications.

Hence, if after any sudden jolt to your head, you experience symptoms like confusion, vision disturbances (double or blurry vision), difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light, and any other unusual manifestations, contact the best neurosurgery hospital in Kolkata for timely care.

Experts like Dr. Asish Das, Consultant - Neurology at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital, will order computerized tomography (CT), neurological exams (balance, vision, coordination), cognitive assessments (memory, concentration), and the SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) for clinical evaluation.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Brain Surgery? Recovery Timeline & Tips

What is a Concussion & its Causes?

Concussions are common mild head injuries, especially among young athletes. It may seem like concussions aren’t a big deal, but the effects can be serious and last for days, weeks, or even longer.

Here is the crucial point that you shouldn’t miss:

One concussion generally doesn’t cause permanent brain damage; however, experiencing concussions multiple times over a lifetime can change your brain’s structure or how it processes information. This can lead to severe complications and raise your chances of developing serious health conditions.

Reasons Behind Concussion

Here are the most common causes of concussions:

  • Falls
  • Motor vehicle and bike accidents
  • Physical violence, such as fights or assaults
  • Sports injuries

Anyone can experience a concussion; people of certain age groups may have a higher risk:

  • People older than 65.
  • Children younger than 4.
  • Individuals having physically demanding jobs such as carpentry, landscaping, or construction.
  • Sport personnel who play physically demanding or contact sports.
  • A person with a history of concussion.

Read Also: Top Neurosurgeons In Kolkata: Expertise You Can Trust

What Does a Concussion Feel Like? Symptoms

It may feel like you are experiencing the following symptoms.

Symptom Category You May Feel Like
Physical Persistent headache (most common), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred/double vision, ringing in the ears, and loss of balance.
Cognitive Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, feeling "in a haze," slower reaction times, and trouble finding the right words.
Emotional or Behavioral Irritability, mood swings, depression or sadness, new or increased anxiety, or getting nervous.
Sleep Disrupt those normal rhythms; sleep less or more than usual, feel drowsy or fatigued

When you have concussion symptoms that last months or even a year or more after the initial injury, this condition is known as Post-concussion syndrome (PCS)

Read Also: Top Neurology Hospital in Kolkata for Brain & Nerve Disorders

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Contact the best neurologist or neurosurgeon in Kolkata right away if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • A headache is getting worse and refuses to go away.
  • Weakness, numbness.
  • Improper coordination.
  • Constant vomiting or severe nausea.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Extreme drowsiness.
  • One pupil (the black center of the eye) is larger than the other.
  • Seizures or convulsions.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Here is a common myth: “If symptoms disappear quickly, you're fully recovered." The fact is that returning to activity too soon can worsen injury; hence, you need proper evaluation and protocol to return to work.

How Long Does a Concussion Last? | The Recovery

The timeline in which the symptoms resolve may vary from person to person and with the severity of the injury.

It can last from days to a few weeks, but recovery can range from about 10 days up to several months.

Best Neurosurgery Hospital in Kolkata | IRIS Multispeciality Hospital

IRIS Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata is the leading neurosurgery center in the city, providing advanced brain and spine care. Our team is known for its strong focus on precision, safety, and patient‑centered treatment.

Since there is no specific “brain‑healing” drug for concussion, here is the possible treatment that you can expect based on the severity of your injury:

  • Immediate steps after injury: Stop the activity (sports, work, or exercise).
  • Rest and activity: 24–48 hours of light physical and cognitive rest and a stepwise return‑to‑play or return‑to‑learn plan.
  • Symptom relief: Acetaminophen (paracetamol), anti‑nausea drugs, sleep aids, or mood stabilisers.
  • If symptoms persist, refer to a neurologist, concussion clinic, or physiotherapist for tailored rehab (vestibular therapy, neck exercises, and cognitive-behavioural support).

Looking for the best treatment after a mild brain injury, concussion in Kolkata, India? Schedule a call at +91 8929579509.

Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7

FAQs

Q1: What are the 6 stages of post-concussion recovery?
A: Here are the six stages of post-concussion recovery:

  • Limited Activity or Rest
  • Light Aerobic Activity
  • Moderate Activity
  • Heavy, Non-Contact Activity
  • Return to Normal Practice Sessions.
  • Full Competition or Return to Sport.

Q2: How do you know if you have a concussion?
A: If you have got a jolt in your head and are experiencing headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, and a "foggy" feeling, usually appearing immediately or within hours of the injury. Consult experts like a neurologist or neurosurgeon in Kolkata for the right diagnosis and recovery steps.

Q3: What is the 2 minute concussion test?
A: The “2‑minute concussion test” is often referred to as the King‑Devick test. It is a rapid sideline screen where a person reads numbers aloud as quickly as possible; a slower time suggests a possible concussion, and the need for medical assessment.

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