If a person has had a number of concussions, the doctor likely will advise the person to avoid the activities that may put them at risk for future head injuries and to discontinue contact sports. Some signs of concussion may not become apparent until hours or days after the event that caused it. A normal neurologic examination is somewhat reassuring that no major structural injuries to the brain have occurred.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause bruising, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. Healing or recovering from a concussion takes time. It is estimated that one in every 2,000 people will experience an episode of concussion requiring hospital treatment each year in England. After a concussion, the brain needs time to heal.