Concussion Treatment with Dr. Shah-Naz Khan, Neurosurgeon in Flint, MI
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that briefly changes how the brain works. Most people recover fully with rest and a careful, step-by-step return to activity. Concussion treatment focuses on easing symptoms, guiding recovery, and watching for warning signs that need urgent care.
What it is
A mild traumatic brain injury from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
Common symptoms
Headache, dizziness, foggy thinking, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise.
When it is urgent
Repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, seizures, or fainting. Call 911.
Typical recovery
Many adults improve within days to a few weeks with proper rest and pacing.
How it is treated
Rest, then a gradual, guided return to activity and symptom management.
Call 911 or go to the ER now if you notice…
These can be signs of a more serious brain injury or bleeding after a head injury. Do not wait and do not drive yourself. Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.
- Repeated vomiting
- A headache that keeps getting worse or is severe
- A seizure or convulsion
- One pupil larger than the other
- Slurred speech, confusion, or unusual behavior
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Loss of consciousness, or being hard to wake
What is a concussion?
A concussion is the mildest and most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It happens when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that shakes the head, briefly changes how the brain works. You do not have to be knocked out to have a concussion.
Head injuries fall on a spectrum. Most are mild, like a concussion, and get better with time. A smaller number are moderate or severe, which can involve bleeding or bruising of the brain and need urgent care. That is why watching for the warning signs above matters so much in the first hours and days.
Caring for head injuries and traumatic brain injury is part of Dr. Khan's neurosurgical practice. See conditions we treat →
The head-injury spectrum
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Concussion symptoms fall into four groups. They can start right away or show up hours to days later, so keep watching even if you felt fine at first.
Physical
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems, or nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred vision or feeling tired
Thinking (cognitive)
- Feeling foggy, slowed down, or "not right"
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Feeling confused right after the injury
- Answering questions more slowly than usual
Mood (emotional)
- Feeling irritable or more emotional
- Feeling sad, nervous, or anxious
- Mood changes noticed by you or others
Sleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
- Feeling drowsy or worn out during the day
Symptoms can be delayed. If new or worsening symptoms appear after a head injury, treat it seriously and get checked.
When should I see a doctor after a head injury?
Some head injuries are emergencies; many are not but still deserve a professional review. Here is how to tell the difference.
Get emergency care now
- Any of the red-flag signs listed near the top of this page
- Loss of consciousness, a seizure, or repeated vomiting
- A high-force injury, or a blood thinner or bleeding disorder
- When in doubt, call 911 or go to the nearest ER
See a specialist this week
- Symptoms that are not improving after several days
- Symptoms that keep you from work, school, or sport
- Repeated concussions, or worry about recovery
- You want a clear recovery plan and a specialist's read
How is a concussion diagnosed?
A concussion is mostly a clinical diagnosis, meaning it is based on your history and an exam. Scans are used to look for more serious injury when warning signs are present.
Clinical evaluation
The story of the injury plus a neurological exam of your thinking, memory, balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes.
Symptom & cognitive check
Structured symptom checklists and simple thinking and balance tests help measure the concussion and follow your recovery over time.
CT scan, if warning signs
Most concussions do not need a scan. A CT is used when red-flag signs suggest possible bleeding or a skull fracture, to rule out a more serious injury.
How is a concussion treated?
The main treatment is guided rest followed by a gradual return to activity. The goal is to recover safely without pushing symptoms too hard, too soon.
Early relative rest
A short period of taking it easier, both physically and mentally, in the first day or two, while avoiding a second hit.
Gradual return to activity
Light activity is added back step by step as symptoms allow. Long, total rest is no longer recommended.
Symptom management
Practical steps for headaches, sleep, screens, and light or noise sensitivity, tailored to your symptoms.
Return to work, school & sport
A stepwise, symptom-limited plan. Returning to sport is done carefully to avoid another concussion before you heal.
How long does recovery take?
Most adults feel much better within a couple of weeks, and children and teens may take a little longer. These are general ranges, not a promise, since every injury and person is different.
When symptoms last longer than the usual window, often beyond about four to six weeks, it is called post-concussion syndrome. It is manageable, and a specialist can help with a targeted recovery plan. Every case is reviewed by Dr. Khan personally, with honest guidance and time for your questions.
General recovery ranges
Head injury care from a neurosurgeon trained in neurotrauma
Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon whose training includes neurotrauma, the specialty care of traumatic brain injuries. As a neurosurgeon, she is focused on the brain itself, which matters when a head injury needs a careful, expert read.
She founded the Institute of General and Endovascular Neurosurgery in Flint, Michigan in 2014 on a simple standard: excellence, ethics, and integrity. Every case is personally evaluated by Dr. Khan, care is recommended only when it is truly in your best interest, and second opinions are genuinely welcomed. Explore conditions we treat →
Why patients choose IGEN
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
- Training in neurotrauma (traumatic brain injury care)
- Every case personally reviewed by Dr. Khan, not delegated
- Care advised only when it is truly in your best interest
- Second opinions welcomed
Concussion & head injury: frequently asked questions
How long does a concussion last?
When should I see a doctor after a head injury?
What are the signs of a serious head injury?
What is the concussion recovery timeline?
Can you sleep after a concussion?
What is post-concussion syndrome?
What is the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Khan about a head injury or concussion?
Recovering from a head injury or concussion? Get a clear plan.
If symptoms are lingering, or you simply want a specialist's read after a head injury, Dr. Khan will review your case personally and guide your recovery, calmly and honestly. If this is an emergency, call 911 first.
- Request a consultation by phone or through the contact form.
- Share what happened and any scans or records you already have.
- Meet Dr. Khan for a personal review and a clear recovery plan.
- Our team will follow up to confirm your appointment .