How Long Do Concussions Last?
One of the most common questions we hear from patients is, “How long do concussions last?”
The answer isn’t always simple — because concussion recovery looks different for everyone.
For some people, symptoms resolve within a couple of weeks. For others, concussion symptoms can linger for months or even years, affecting work, relationships, athletic performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek specialized care can make a significant difference in recovery.
At Inland Northwest Neurological Performance in Coeur d’Alene, we help patients navigate every stage of concussion recovery — especially when symptoms don’t fade as expected.
Typical Concussion Recovery Timeline
Most concussions are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), but “mild” does not mean insignificant.
Here’s what recovery often looks like:
First 7–10 Days
- Headache
- Brain fog
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble concentrating
During this period, many people begin to feel gradual improvement with proper rest and symptom-guided activity.
2–4 Weeks
For many adults, symptoms significantly improve or resolve within 2–4 weeks.
This is often the expected timeline for how long mild or minor concussions last when managed appropriately.
However, improvement does not always mean full neurological recovery — especially if symptoms are pushed through or ignored.
When Concussion Symptoms Last Longer Than Expected
If symptoms persist beyond 4–6 weeks, this may indicate post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Common lingering symptoms include:
- Ongoing headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Balance problems
- Brain fog or slowed thinking
- Memory and concentration issues
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Neck pain or visual disturbances
At this stage, the question shifts from “How long do concussions last?” to “Why haven’t these symptoms resolved?”
Why Some Concussions Take Longer to Heal
Persistent concussion symptoms are rarely random. They often involve underlying neurological dysfunctions that weren’t fully addressed early on.
Factors that can prolong recovery include:
- Previous concussions
- Whiplash or neck injury
- Vestibular (balance) dysfunction
- Visual system impairments
- Autonomic nervous system imbalance (dysautonomia)
- Poor return-to-activity guidance
This is why rest alone isn’t always enough — and why specialized neurological care matters.
How Long Do Mild or Minor Concussions Last?
Many people search specifically for:
- How long do mild concussions last?
- How long do minor concussions last?
Even so-called “minor” concussions can cause major disruptions if the nervous system doesn’t fully recalibrate.
While mild concussions often improve within a few weeks, persistent symptoms are not a sign of weakness or exaggeration — they’re a sign that the brain needs targeted input to restore normal function.
Concussion Recovery Is Not Just About Time
One of the biggest misconceptions is that concussion healing is purely time-based.
In reality, recovery depends on:
- How well the brain processes sensory input
- How efficiently the nervous system regulates balance, vision, and coordination
- Whether compensations have developed
Without addressing these factors, symptoms can linger indefinitely — even years after the original injury.
How Neurological Rehabilitation Can Shorten Recovery
Our team at Inland Northwest Neurological Performance takes a functional neurology approach to concussion recovery.
Instead of generic protocols, we identify which neurological systems are underperforming and apply targeted interventions to stimulate recovery.
Our care often focuses on:
- Vestibular and balance rehabilitation
- Visual-motor integration
- Cervical spine and whiplash-related contributions
- Autonomic nervous system regulation
- Cognitive and sensory processing
This approach is especially effective for patients with post-concussion syndrome or those who feel “stuck” despite trying other treatments.
When Should You Seek Help for a Concussion?
You should consider specialized concussion care if:
- Symptoms last longer than 2–4 weeks
- Dizziness or balance issues persist
- Headaches or brain fog interfere with daily life
- You’ve had multiple concussions
- You were told to “just rest” but haven’t improved
Early intervention can prevent months — or years — of unnecessary symptoms.
Concussion Care Close to Home in Coeur d’Alene
We pride ourselves on providing accessible, local concussion care for patients across Coeur d’Alene and the Inland Northwest.
Whether you’re recovering from a recent head injury or dealing with lingering symptoms long after a concussion, our personalized neurological programs are designed to help you regain clarity, confidence, and control.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you’re still wondering how long your concussion will last, the most important step is understanding why your symptoms remain — and what can be done about them.
we help patients break free from lingering concussion symptoms and return to the life they love.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn how targeted neurological care can support your recovery.
