Patient education: Postconcussion syndrome – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You had a concussion (a mild brain injury) recently, and then you came to the ED because you still had symptoms. The doctors think you have "postconcussion syndrome." This is when a person continues to have symptoms for days to weeks after a head injury.

Postconcussion syndrome is also called "post-TBI syndrome." TBI stands for "traumatic brain injury."

You might have a headache, dizziness, problems with balance, mood changes, or problems with memory or thinking.

The doctor thinks it is safe for you to recover at home. You will probably start to feel better in a week or 2, but it can sometimes take months to feel completely normal again.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●Take all your medicines as instructed.

●Take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) to relieve pain. If the doctor said it's OK, you can also take ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). These are all non-prescription pain medicines.

●Avoid activities that could cause another head injury. Rest your body and your brain for a few days, and avoid things that make your symptoms worse.

●Follow the doctor's instructions for when you can play sports or do other activities again.

●Avoid alcohol and cannabis until your symptoms go away.

●If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, the doctor might suggest counseling. They might also prescribe medicines that can help.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

•Have trouble waking up from sleep

•Are confused or have trouble thinking clearly when awake

●Have a sudden and persistent change in your behavior

•Have trouble speaking or seeing

•Have trouble walking, weakness, or cannot move a part of your body like an arm, leg, or 1 side of your face

•Have a seizure

•Have severe or worsening headaches

•Vomit

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if you:

●Cannot concentrate enough to do a familiar task

●Have headaches more often, or have worse headaches

●Feel weaker or more tired than usual

●Have new or worsening symptoms

More on this topic

Patient education: Postconcussion syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Concussion in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Concussion in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (The Basics)