The harsh reality of concussion is that there is not a "quick fix" for recovery. Like many other trying to overcome injury, we wondered why some survivors can recover in a few weeks, whereas others, like ourselves, can take years to rehabilitate. We learned that there are many factors that play a role in recovery time and the extent of progress a survivor can make. Due to age, genetics, and the injury itself, recovery times will range from person to person. While impacted by these factors, the process of overcoming concussion is not necessarily dependent upon one nor all of these components. Additionally, as this is not a fully comprehensive list, there may be other factors effecting recovery that are not found in the list below.
Age
As we get older, our bodies require more time to repair themselves. Those who sustain injury in later years may discover it can take longer to recuperate from injury.
Sex/Gender
Men are more likely to sustain a concussion during their lifetimes. Women, however, tend to recover more quickly than men, on average.
Severity of Trauma
Depending on the cause of injury and the extent of damage, recovery times can vary.
Region of Injury in Brain
As different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions, any area(s) that receive trauma can be compromised and can effect behavior, thought, personality and emotion.
Stress
High stress levels can delay and inhibit recovery from concussion.
Rest
Those survivors who get enough sleep and full rest tend to recover more fully than those who do not.
Environment
The environment can impact recovery in many ways: temperature, bright sunlight, sharp car alarms or pungent smells can trigger symptoms and delay recovery.
Genetics
Your genetic composition can aid and inhibit recovery time and the extent of recovery after injury.
Attitude
Several studies have shown that survivors who have a positive outlook on life tend to recover more quickly than those who do not.
As we get older, our bodies require more time to repair themselves. Those who sustain injury in later years may discover it can take longer to recuperate from injury.
Sex/Gender
Men are more likely to sustain a concussion during their lifetimes. Women, however, tend to recover more quickly than men, on average.
Severity of Trauma
Depending on the cause of injury and the extent of damage, recovery times can vary.
Region of Injury in Brain
As different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions, any area(s) that receive trauma can be compromised and can effect behavior, thought, personality and emotion.
Stress
High stress levels can delay and inhibit recovery from concussion.
Rest
Those survivors who get enough sleep and full rest tend to recover more fully than those who do not.
Environment
The environment can impact recovery in many ways: temperature, bright sunlight, sharp car alarms or pungent smells can trigger symptoms and delay recovery.
Genetics
Your genetic composition can aid and inhibit recovery time and the extent of recovery after injury.
Attitude
Several studies have shown that survivors who have a positive outlook on life tend to recover more quickly than those who do not.