Unreported brain injuries can cause serious and lasting problems. However, research has shown that dying from a concussion is unlikely. Healthcare providers can help you recover and feel back to normal within 2 to 3 weeks most of the time.
The media has talked widely about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a disease in which structural changes to the brain happens from repeated blows to the head. A patient who’s diagnosed with a concussion and treated properly is not likely to get CTE or have any lasting problems. Research continues to establish the exact causes of CTE but it is clear that getting a concussion does not mean you will develop CTE.
To learn more about concussions, check out our comprehensive Concussion 101 Guide here.