How long does a GP consultation take to work for concussion?

The GP may ask how the head injury happened, whether you lost consciousness, and how your symptoms have changed. They can assess alertness, memory, balance, movement, and vision, then decide whether home monitoring is suitable or whether you need emergency assessment or imaging. The consultation cannot make brain symptoms disappear immediately. Headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating can continue after the appointment. Recovery is individual, and returning quickly to strenuous activity can worsen symptoms.

Follow the activity plan you were given. Rest when symptoms increase, keep screens and demanding tasks manageable, and return to school, work, driving, and exercise in stages only as advised. Avoid another head injury while recovering. Ask someone you trust to check on you if you are unusually sleepy or struggling to manage symptoms. Arrange follow-up if symptoms are not settling, interfere with normal activities, or return when you increase activity.

Seek emergency help for a worsening or severe headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, unequal pupils, or difficulty waking the person. Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine GP appointment after a significant deterioration.

Ask when you can safely drive or work, which symptoms should trigger review, how to increase activity, and whether another appointment is needed. Tell the GP about blood-thinning medicines, previous concussions, and any persistent vision, balance, sleep, or concentration problems.