How long does it take to recover from a brain contusion?
Sep 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Introduction
The recovery time for a brain injury due to a fall depends on its severity. If there is localized damage with mild symptoms, no bleeding, or fractures, recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks. When brain hemorrhage occurs after the injury, recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks. For more severe injuries such as cerebral contusion and laceration or intracranial hemorrhage, recovery may take 2–3 months. In cases of diffuse axonal injury or traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, recovery may take several months and normal function might not be fully restored.
The recovery time after a brain injury due to a fall is related to the severity of the injury.
If the brain injury results only in localized damage with mild symptoms, without causing significant bleeding or fractures, recovery typically occurs gradually within 1 to 2 weeks. However, if the fall causes intracranial hemorrhage with a moderate amount of bleeding, timely neurosurgical intervention may be required to remove the hematoma, and the recovery period will be longer—typically around 2 to 4 weeks. In more severe cases involving cerebral contusion, laceration, or significant intracranial bleeding accompanied by impaired consciousness, recovery may take 2 to 3 months. If the injury leads to diffuse axonal injury or traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, recovery becomes even more difficult, and the patient may not fully return to normal even after several months.
After a brain injury from a fall, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Under a doctor’s guidance, imaging tests such as head CT or MRI should be performed to assess the severity of the injury and determine appropriate symptomatic treatment.
