Key Takeaways
- After a possible concussion, the most important first step is to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Most people recover within a few days to a few weeks.
- Routine brain imaging is not needed to diagnose a concussion, but a CT scan may be used in the emergency setting when there is concern for bleeding on the brain.
- MRI is often used later, when symptoms persist, worsen, or when a physician wants a more detailed structural evaluation.
- Certain warning signs after a head injury (worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, focal weakness) require immediate medical care.
- Smart Scan Medical Imaging offers American College of Radiology (ACR)-accredited brain MRI and specialized sports concussion scan protocols in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, and Milwaukee, with same-day and next-day scheduling. Request an appointment when your provider orders follow-up imaging.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Concussion?
Immediately after a possible concussion, the safest step is to stop the activity and be evaluated by a healthcare provider. According to the CDC, getting care from a healthcare provider can help speed recovery, and most people can return to work, school, and many other activities within a few days or weeks of a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion.
Practical steps in the first 24 to 72 hours include:
- Stop playing, driving, or working. Get evaluated before returning to activity.
- Have someone stay with you the first night if possible, and watch for worsening symptoms.
- Rest, but do not sit in a dark room all day. Light activity is usually encouraged once acute symptoms ease.
- Limit screen time and mentally demanding tasks in the first 1 to 2 days.
- Avoid alcohol and, unless your provider approves them, avoid sleeping pills or other sedatives.
- Ask your provider which pain medications are safe to take.
If you were seen in the emergency department, they may have already performed a CT scan. If your provider recommends follow-up imaging later, MRI is often the study of choice for evaluating persistent symptoms.
What Are the Most Common Concussion Symptoms and Recovery Timelines?
The most common concussion symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes, and sleep disturbance. Most people improve within a few days to a few weeks, and children typically feel better within 2 to 4 weeks, according to the CDC HEADS UP program.
Symptoms tend to cluster into four categories:
- Physical: headache, dizziness, balance problems, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, fatigue, blurred vision.
- Cognitive: feeling 'foggy,' slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, feeling 'not quite right.'
- Emotional: irritability, sadness, anxiety, mood swings.
- Sleep: trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual.
Recovery may be slower in older adults, young children, and people with a history of prior concussions or migraines. If symptoms persist beyond the expected timeline, or if they worsen after initial improvement, your provider may recommend additional evaluation, including advanced imaging.
When Should Headaches, Dizziness, or Confusion After a Head Injury Raise Concern?
Headaches, dizziness, or confusion after a head injury raise concern when they worsen instead of improve, when they are accompanied by repeated vomiting, seizures, focal weakness, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, or an inability to be awakened. These are considered concussion 'danger signs' and require immediate medical attention.
The CDC HEADS UP program identifies several danger signs after a head injury that warrant emergency care:
- Headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions or seizures
- Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
- One pupil larger than the other
- Cannot recognize people or places
- Becomes drowsy or cannot be awakened
If any of these are present, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait to see if things improve on their own.
How Do MRI and Brain Imaging Assist in Concussion Evaluation?
MRI and brain imaging assist in concussion evaluation by helping physicians rule out structural issues, evaluate persistent or worsening symptoms, and monitor recovery. A CT scan is commonly used in the emergency setting to look for bleeding or fractures, while MRI is often used later for more detailed soft-tissue evaluation.
The CDC notes that a brain scan (such as a CT scan) is not needed to diagnose a mild TBI or concussion, but may be used for patients at risk for bleeding on the brain after a head or brain injury. That role often falls to the ER. Follow-up MRI is typically ordered by a primary care physician, neurologist, or sports medicine physician when:
- Concussion symptoms persist longer than expected
- Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
- There is concern for a more serious injury than a routine concussion
- A structural evaluation is needed for a return-to-play or return-to-work decision
- A baseline or follow-up study is part of a sports medicine or neurology plan
At Smart Scan, neuroradiology MRI exams are read by board-certified, fellowship-trained subspecialty radiologists on a state-of-the-art GE Voyager 1.5T wide-bore scanner. Smart Scan also offers advanced capabilities that include sports concussion scan protocols for baseline, acute injury, and long-term follow-up, along with Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) brain mapping and AI-powered volumetric analysis when a more detailed neurological picture is helpful.
How Do You Return Safely to Sports, Work, or School After a Concussion?
Returning safely to sports, work, or school after a concussion means moving through gradual, symptom-guided steps rather than jumping back to full activity all at once. The CDC HEADS UP return-to-activity guidance uses a stepwise approach, with each step monitored for return of symptoms.
General principles:
- Rest at first, then reintroduce activity. Complete rest is only recommended for the first day or two. After that, light activity like short walks is usually encouraged.
- Move step by step. Increase mental and physical demands gradually. If symptoms return, step back and try again in a day or two.
- Do not return to contact sports until cleared. Full-contact activity should wait until you are symptom-free and cleared by a qualified provider.
- Coordinate with school or work. Reduced hours, breaks, and adjusted screen time can support recovery. Many schools have formal return-to-learn protocols.
- Repeat concussions matter. A second concussion before the first has healed can prolong recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Athletes, coaches, teachers, and employers should not manage a concussion alone. Return-to-play or return-to-work decisions should always involve a qualified healthcare provider.
What Should You Expect During a Follow-Up Concussion Imaging Appointment at Smart Scan?
A follow-up concussion MRI at Smart Scan typically takes about 20 to 45 minutes, uses a wide-bore scanner for added comfort, and produces results that are usually sent to your referring provider within 24 to 48 hours.
Here is a quick walkthrough:
- Before your scan: You will be asked to remove metal items, including jewelry, hair accessories, and certain clothing. Let the team know about any implants, pacemakers, or recent surgeries. Eating and drinking are usually fine unless contrast is planned.
- At check-in: You can change into scrubs if you prefer, and store your belongings in a secure area. The technologist will review what to expect.
- During the scan: You will lie on a padded table that slides into the wide-bore MRI. A head coil will be positioned around your head. The scan usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, and the machine produces loud knocking sounds, so headphones or earplugs are provided.
- If contrast is used: A small IV may be placed to deliver contrast that highlights specific structures. Your team will discuss this with you in advance.
- After your scan: Most people return to normal activity immediately. Results are typically sent to your referring provider within 24 to 48 hours, and faster for urgent cases.
The wide-bore design is helpful for patients who feel sensitive to bright lights, tight spaces, or loud noises after a concussion. Our technologists are trained to talk you through the process and adjust pace where possible.
Ready to Schedule a Concussion MRI in Wisconsin?
If you or someone you care about had a head injury and symptoms are not improving, do not just wait it out. Reach out to your primary care provider, sports medicine physician, or neurologist for guidance, and ask whether follow-up imaging is appropriate.
When advanced imaging is recommended, request an appointment at Smart Scan Medical Imaging in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, or Milwaukee, or call (855) 694-3300. Our team can usually schedule a brain MRI for the same or next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get an MRI after a concussion?
An MRI is usually considered when concussion symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window, when symptoms worsen after initial improvement, or when a physician wants a more detailed structural evaluation than a CT scan can provide. Routine imaging is not needed to diagnose a straightforward concussion. Your primary care provider, neurologist, or sports medicine physician is the right person to decide whether follow-up MRI is appropriate.
What are the most important concussion symptoms to watch for?
Common concussion symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, and mood changes. Danger signs that require emergency care include worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.
How long does a concussion take to heal?
According to the CDC, most people recover from a mild TBI or concussion within a few days or weeks. Children typically feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. Recovery may be slower in older adults, young children, and people with a history of prior concussions or migraines. Some people have symptoms that last for months, which is why follow-up with a provider matters.
Is there a radiology center near me for concussion follow-up imaging?
Yes. Smart Scan Medical Imaging offers brain MRI and dedicated sports concussion scan protocols at four Wisconsin locations: Eau Claire, the Wausau area (Weston), Madison (Middleton), and the Milwaukee area (Franklin). All four sites use the same advanced wide-bore MRI technology and the same group of board-certified, fellowship-trained subspecialty radiologists.
Does a normal MRI mean I do not have a concussion?
Not necessarily. A concussion is a functional injury to the brain, and many people with concussions have completely normal MRI scans. That is actually useful information because it helps rule out other structural causes for your symptoms. Your physician will use your imaging alongside your symptoms and exam to guide the plan.
