Concussions – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of Concussions

Concussions are brain injuries that temporarily affect the way your brain works. They are most often caused by sports injuries, falls, or accidents, and can range from mild to more serious depending on the impact and the individual’s health.

What is a concussion in plain language?

A concussion happens when your brain moves rapidly inside your skull after an impact or sudden motion. This movement can stretch and damage brain cells, disrupting normal function. While concussions are usually not life-threatening, they can have serious short-term and long-term effects if not managed properly.

How common are concussions?

Concussions are among the most common injuries worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of concussions occur annually in the U.S. alone, with sports-related concussions being particularly common in children and young adults. Studies suggest that 5–9% of athletes in contact sports experience a concussion each season (Pfister et al., 2016, British Journal of Sports Medicine).

Daily life impact of concussions

A concussion may seem invisible compared to a broken bone, but it can disrupt many parts of your daily life:

• Work and school: Concentration and memory problems make tasks harder, slowing productivity and learning.
• Sports and recreation: Athletes may need to pause training or competition, sometimes for weeks or months.
• Sleep: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness is common after a concussion.
• Relationships: Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty communicating can create stress with family or friends.
• Mental health: Anxiety and depression may develop if symptoms persist (a condition known as post-concussion syndrome).

How are concussions different from other head injuries?

• Concussions: Usually temporary changes in brain function without visible structural damage.
• Brain contusions or hemorrhages: Involve visible bleeding or swelling in the brain.
• Skull fractures: Breaks in the bone that may or may not be accompanied by brain injury.

👉 Related condition hubs: Post-Concussion Syndrome, Headaches and Migraines, Traumatic Brain Injury

Reference:
Pfister, T., Pfister, K., Hagel, B., Ghali, W. A., & Ronksley, P. E. (2016). The incidence of concussion in youth sports: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 292–297. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094978

Symptoms of Concussions

The symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately or develop over hours and days after the injury. They often affect physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning.

What are the main symptoms of concussions?

• Physical symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, balance problems.
• Cognitive symptoms: Confusion, memory issues, slow reaction times, difficulty concentrating.
• Emotional symptoms: Irritability, sadness, nervousness, mood swings.
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual, or fatigue throughout the day.

Red flag signs – when to seek immediate medical help

While most concussions are mild, some symptoms signal a more serious brain injury:

• Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 1 minute.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Worsening headache.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Slurred speech or significant confusion.
• Unequal pupils or vision loss.
• Inability to wake up or extreme drowsiness.

These signs require emergency care to rule out bleeding or swelling in the brain.

How do concussions affect daily life?

• Work: Difficulty focusing on tasks, poor memory, and slower processing can disrupt productivity.
• School: Students may struggle with reading, screens, or completing assignments.
• Sports: Returning to play too soon raises the risk of a second concussion, which can be dangerous.
• Relationships and mood: Mood changes may strain interactions with family, partners, and friends.

How are concussion symptoms different from whiplash or migraines?

• Whiplash: Neck pain and stiffness are more prominent, but cognitive symptoms are less common.
• Migraines: Cause severe headaches and sensitivity to light, but typically do not include confusion or memory problems.
• Concussions: Involve a wider range of symptoms that impact both brain and body function.

👉 Related condition hubs: Migraines, Neck Pain and Whiplash, Anxiety Disorders

Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Concussion and mild TBI: Symptoms and diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/

Causes and Risk Factors for Concussions

Concussions are caused by sudden movement or impact to the head or body that jolts the brain inside the skull. The brain’s soft tissue moves within the hard casing of the skull, leading to temporary dysfunction.

Common causes of concussions

• Sports injuries: Football, hockey, soccer, rugby, and other contact sports are leading causes.
• Falls: Especially common in children and older adults.
• Motor vehicle accidents: Whiplash and head strikes are frequent in collisions.
• Violence or accidents: Physical assault, being struck by an object, or work-related injuries.

Who is most at risk for concussions?

• Children and teens: Developing brains are more vulnerable, and youth often return to activity too soon.
• Athletes: Higher exposure in contact or high-speed sports.
• Older adults: More likely to suffer falls and may recover more slowly.
• People with prior concussions: Repeat injuries increase both risk and recovery time.

Lifestyle and situational risk factors

• Occupation: Construction, law enforcement, military service, and high-risk jobs carry greater danger.
• Health conditions: Poor balance, vision problems, or neurological disorders may increase vulnerability.
• Protective equipment use: Not wearing helmets in sports or biking raises risk.
• Alcohol or substance use: Impaired coordination increases fall and accident risks.

How are concussions different from post-concussion syndrome?

A concussion typically resolves in days to weeks, while post-concussion syndrome involves symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years. Risk for prolonged recovery increases with repeated concussions or lack of proper rest after the initial injury.

👉 Related condition hubs: Post-Concussion Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Neck and Back Injuries

Reference:
McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvorak, J., et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699

Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management of Concussions

Concussions can be tricky to recognize and manage because symptoms are often subtle and vary from person to person. This section explains how concussions are diagnosed, what to expect in recovery, and practical management strategies to help you return safely to daily life, school, work, or sport.

Diagnosis of Concussions

Concussions are diagnosed through clinical evaluation, symptom assessment, and functional testing. Unlike broken bones or internal bleeding, concussions rarely show up on standard imaging scans such as CT or MRI, which means doctors rely on careful observation and clinical expertise.

How do doctors test for concussions?

When you visit a healthcare provider after a head injury, they typically follow a structured assessment process:

• Medical history and interview: Your provider asks about how the injury occurred, whether you lost consciousness, and what symptoms you are experiencing.
• Neurological exam: This includes checking memory, concentration, balance, coordination, reflexes, and eye movements.
• Cognitive and functional tests: Simple tasks—like recalling words, repeating numbers, or following instructions—help measure brain function.
• Balance and coordination testing: Tools like the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) may be used to identify subtle deficits.
• Validated assessment tools: Sports and clinical settings often use the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th edition).
• Imaging (rarely used): CT or MRI scans are ordered only if there are red flags such as severe headache, worsening symptoms, seizures, or signs of bleeding in the brain.

How do practitioners identify the root cause of symptoms?

Because concussions can mimic other issues like migraines, anxiety, or whiplash, practitioners carefully examine:

• Mechanism of injury (e.g., sports collision, fall, accident).
• Symptom timing and progression.
• Exclusion of other causes, such as spinal injuries or psychiatric conditions.

How is a concussion different from post-concussion syndrome?

A concussion typically resolves within a few weeks, while post-concussion syndrome describes persistent symptoms lasting months or longer. Identifying this difference helps guide whether standard rest and gradual activity are enough, or if more comprehensive care is required.

👉 Related condition hubs: Post-Concussion Syndrome, Headaches & Migraines, Whiplash

Reference:
McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvorak, J., et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699

Recovery & Prognosis for Concussions

Most people recover from a concussion within days to weeks, but recovery time depends on severity, age, and whether previous concussions have occurred. Early recognition and proper rest are essential for reducing complications.

How long does recovery from a concussion usually take?

• Mild cases: Symptoms often resolve within 7–14 days, especially in healthy adults.
• Moderate cases: May take 3–6 weeks and require structured return-to-work or return-to-school planning.
• Severe or recurrent cases: Recovery may last several months or longer, and some individuals develop post-concussion syndrome.

If/Then Recovery Pathway

• If symptoms resolve quickly, then a gradual return to daily activities is often safe.
• If symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks, then a healthcare provider may recommend therapies like vestibular rehabilitation, physiotherapy, or cognitive therapy.
• If symptoms worsen over time or include red flags (severe headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech), then urgent medical evaluation is needed.

Factors influencing recovery

• Age: Children and teens often recover more slowly than adults.
• History of prior concussions: Multiple concussions increase recovery time.
• Underlying health conditions: Anxiety, migraines, or sleep problems may prolong symptoms.
• Premature return to sport or activity: Returning too early increases risk of a second concussion, which can be dangerous.

Return-to-work, school, and sport outcomes

• Return-to-school/work: May require temporary accommodations such as shorter days, breaks from screens, or lighter workloads.
• Return-to-sport: Athletes follow a structured, stepwise protocol: symptom-free at rest → light activity → sport-specific drills → full training → return to play.
• Long-term lifestyle: Avoiding repeat concussions, managing stress, and maintaining good sleep hygiene are critical for brain health.

👉 Related condition hubs: Traumatic Brain Injury, Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Disorders

Reference:
Iverson, G. L., Gardner, A. J., Terry, D. P., et al. (2017). Predictors of clinical recovery from concussion: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(12), 941–948. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097729

Management of Concussions

Management of concussions focuses on rest, gradual return to activity, and targeted therapies to address lingering symptoms. Unlike older advice that emphasized complete bed rest, modern guidelines support early, cautious activity after 24–48 hours of rest.

What’s the best way to manage a concussion at home?

• Initial rest (24–48 hours): Limit physical and mental exertion immediately after injury.
• Gradual reintroduction of activities: Slowly increase light activities like walking or reading, while monitoring symptoms.
• Limit screen time: Reduce time on phones, computers, and TVs in the early days if symptoms worsen.
• Sleep and hydration: Adequate rest, fluids, and nutrition support healing.

Step-by-Step Self-Help & Relief Tips

1. Rest first: Take 24–48 hours off work, school, and sports.
2. Check symptoms daily: Keep a journal of headaches, dizziness, sleep, and mood.
3. Reintroduce light activity: Walking or gentle stretching once symptoms ease.
4. Avoid risky activities: Do not return to contact sports, heavy lifting, or driving until cleared by a doctor.
5. Seek medical guidance: If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks, ask about rehabilitation options.

Professional management strategies

• Cognitive therapy: For concentration, memory, and mental processing difficulties.
• Vestibular therapy: For balance and dizziness issues.
• Physiotherapy: To manage neck pain, headaches, and posture-related issues.
• Medication (limited use): Pain relievers may be used, but stronger drugs are typically avoided to prevent masking symptoms.
• Mental health support: Therapy can help with anxiety, depression, or mood swings linked to concussion recovery.

Long-term prevention strategies

• Wear protective equipment: Helmets for sports, biking, or work when appropriate.
• Safe environments: Fall-prevention strategies in homes, schools, and workplaces.
• Strength and conditioning: Core stability and neck strength reduce concussion risk in athletes.
• Healthy lifestyle: Sleep, stress management, and balanced nutrition improve resilience to future injuries.

👉 Related condition hubs: Neck Pain & Whiplash, Headaches & Migraines, Balance Disorders

Reference:
Silverberg, N. D., & Iverson, G. L. (2013). Is rest after concussion “the best medicine?”: Recommendations for activity resumption following concussion in athletes, civilians, and military service members. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 28(4), 250–259. https://doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0b013e31825ad658

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for Concussions at CARESPACE

At CARESPACE, concussions are managed through a team-based, multidisciplinary approach that goes beyond symptom relief to support your physical, emotional, and cognitive recovery. Instead of relying on a single treatment, our providers collaborate to create a personalized care plan that helps you recover faster and lowers the risk of long-term complications.

How does CARESPACE treat concussions differently?

Most concussion care stops at basic rest and symptom monitoring. While rest is important, recovery often requires a broader approach. At CARESPACE, we integrate multiple disciplines to address every aspect of concussion recovery—physical, mental, and lifestyle.

• Physiotherapy helps restore balance, coordination, and posture, while also treating neck pain that often accompanies concussions.
• Massage therapy eases muscle tension, headaches, and stress in the neck and shoulders.
• Chiropractic care supports spinal alignment and mobility, especially when whiplash is part of the injury.
• Kinesiology and fitness training gradually rebuild strength and endurance, ensuring a safe return to activity and sport.
• Psychotherapy and mental performance coaching help manage anxiety, mood changes, and concentration difficulties that often linger after a concussion.
• Nutrition and naturopathic medicine provide strategies to support brain health, energy, and sleep.
• Acupuncture can help regulate headaches, dizziness, and insomnia linked to concussions.

👉 Learn more about our physiotherapy for concussion recovery, massage therapy for headaches and muscle tension, and psychotherapy for post-concussion stress.

Why does a team approach help concussion recovery faster?

Concussions affect more than your brain—they impact your body, emotions, and daily routines. CARESPACE’s team approach ensures that you receive well-rounded support, helping you recover more efficiently.

Benefits of coordinated care at CARESPACE:

• Faster recovery: Addressing symptoms from multiple angles—physical therapy, mental health, and lifestyle—shortens downtime.
• Lower recurrence risk: Strengthening the body and mind reduces the chance of future concussions or prolonged symptoms.
• Personalized care: Each plan is tailored to your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
• Seamless teamwork: Your providers collaborate, so every part of your recovery is connected.

👉 Explore mental performance coaching for concussion recovery and nutrition counselling for brain health.

What does a typical concussion care journey look like at CARESPACE?

At CARESPACE, concussion recovery is structured in three phases—acute, subacute, and maintenance—so your care adapts as you improve.

Acute Phase (first days to 2 weeks)

• Initial physiotherapy assessment to evaluate balance, vision, and coordination.
• Massage therapy or chiropractic care to reduce neck stiffness and relieve headaches.
• Psychotherapy support for anxiety, mood changes, or sleep disturbances.

Subacute Phase (2–6 weeks)

• Gradual reintroduction of exercise guided by kinesiologists and fitness trainers.
• Naturopathic support to promote sleep quality and manage lingering fatigue.
• Cognitive strategies from psychotherapy to improve concentration and memory.
• Acupuncture to help reduce dizziness and regulate nervous system function.

Maintenance Phase (6 weeks and beyond)

• Long-term fitness and strength training to restore full activity and sport readiness.
• Ongoing counselling or coaching to manage stress and prevent relapse.
• Nutritional strategies to support brain recovery and reduce inflammation.
• Preventive education on safe return-to-sport, posture, and fall prevention.

👉 Learn more about fitness training for safe return-to-sport and acupuncture for post-concussion headaches.

How does CARESPACE address the mental health side of concussions?

Emotional and psychological symptoms are just as important as physical ones in concussion recovery. Many people experience stress, mood swings, or insomnia after a concussion, and without proper support, these can prolong recovery.

CARESPACE integrates:

• Psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.
• Mental performance coaching to rebuild focus and confidence, especially for athletes or professionals.
• Nutrition counselling to stabilize mood and energy through diet.
• Mind-body therapies like acupuncture and massage to calm the nervous system.

This integration ensures you recover not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Why CARESPACE’s multidisciplinary concussion care is more effective than traditional care

Standard concussion care often focuses on short-term rest and monitoring. While important, this alone may not address lingering symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or mood changes. CARESPACE’s multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive comprehensive care that supports faster recovery and reduces the risk of long-term issues.

The CARESPACE advantage:

Whole-person focus: Every aspect of your health—physical, emotional, and cognitive—is treated together.

• Coordinated care team: Providers share updates, preventing fragmented treatment.
• Evidence-based strategies: Therapies are backed by clinical research and tailored to your needs.
• Prevention mindset: Beyond recovery, we equip you with strategies to reduce the risk of future concussions.

👉 Discover our integrated concussion recovery programs and counselling for post-concussion anxiety.

Putting it all together

At CARESPACE, concussion recovery is personalized, coordinated, and multidisciplinary. By combining physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic care, psychotherapy, nutrition, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, kinesiology, and coaching, you receive comprehensive care that not only helps you recover but also strengthens you against future setbacks.

This approach means you don’t just return to your daily life—you return stronger, more confident, and better prepared to prevent recurrence.

Related Conditions for Concussions

Concussions often overlap with or mimic other conditions, which can complicate diagnosis. Recognizing these related conditions helps ensure you receive the right care.

• Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): A complication where concussion symptoms—like headaches, dizziness, or memory problems—last for weeks or months.
• Whiplash: A neck injury that often occurs alongside concussions in car accidents or sports collisions. It can cause headaches and dizziness similar to a concussion.
• Migraines: Severe headaches and light sensitivity can look like concussion symptoms, but migraines are a separate condition.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Concussions are considered a mild TBI, but moderate or severe TBIs involve longer unconsciousness or visible brain damage.
• Anxiety and depression: Emotional changes often develop after concussions, either from the injury itself or the stress of recovery.

👉 Explore our Conditions List for more information on overlapping conditions.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a concussion, consult a qualified health provider.