22May/112
How long after a concussion can I consume alcohol without any risks?
On the 14th I had a bike accident and suffered a concussion of a Level 2, because I do not recall losing consciousness. From the 14th I've come a long way in terms of recovery and I'm losing my post-concussion symptoms in a timely manner. I was wondering how long after a concussion like this, would it be safe to drink alcohol.
May 22nd, 2011 - 23:51
As long as you have any symptoms at all from the concussion, you should probably stay away from alcohol. Your doctor may be able to give you guidance on how long to wait. However, long-term effects of concussion are extremely difficult to accurately assess, so it might not be possible to give an exact waiting period.
Alcohol depresses the activity of the central nervous system. If this combines with an otherwise slight impairment caused by the concussion, serious complications could develop. The chances of this decline exponentially with time after the concussion, but it could be a very long time before the potential risk can be assumed to have disappeared.
Every case is different, so the ultimate source of information and guidelines will be the doctor treating you.
May 22nd, 2011 - 23:51
2.3 decades.