Usually not. Standard scans cannot show a concussion, because the injury affects how brain cells function rather than the structure of the brain. Imaging is ordered when a doctor suspects something more serious, such as a bleed or a skull fracture. A normal scan does not mean you are fine, and it does not rule out concussion. Your symptoms and your assessment findings guide the diagnosis.

Yes, and most concussions happen without any loss of consciousness. Being dazed, confused, slow to answer, unsteady on your feet or blank about the moments around the impact all count. Symptoms can also appear hours later, so someone who seemed fine on the sideline may develop a headache, nausea or fog that evening. Any suspected concussion means no return to play that day.

Yes, once a doctor has assessed you and ruled out anything serious. The old advice to wake someone hourly through the night is no longer standard. Sleep is when a large part of recovery happens, and broken sleep tends to make headaches and concentration worse. If you have not been medically assessed and any warning signs appear, seek urgent care rather than going to bed.

Most children return to school before they return to sport, often within a few days, starting with partial days or a reduced timetable. Ask the school for adjustments: extra time, fewer screens, rest breaks, and postponed exams or assignments. Symptoms may rise a little as they re-engage, and that is expected. Your physiotherapist can write to the school outlining what your child needs.

A second impact while you are still symptomatic can prolong your recovery considerably and increase the risk of ongoing problems. In rare cases, a young athlete can suffer rapid and dangerous brain swelling. This is why staged clearance exists, and why coaches and parents should not shorten the process. If you take another knock during recovery, stop activity and get reviewed.

Yes, in moderation. Complete screen avoidance is not necessary and can leave you isolated and bored, which does not help. Keep the first 24 to 48 hours light, then reintroduce screens in short blocks with breaks, lower brightness and a larger text size. If reading or scrolling reliably triggers symptoms, that often signals a visual or vestibular issue that responds to retraining.