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Concussion

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild brain injury that can happen after a hit, bump, or jolt to the head or body. You do not have to pass out to have a concussion. Symptoms can be different for each person, and they are not always easy to see. Some people feel better quickly, while others need more time and support. A concussion can also affect the vestibular system, which helps with balance and eye movements.

A concussion can happen when:

  • Your head hits something, like the ground or a car dashboard
  • Something hits your head, like a ball, stick, or another person
  • Your body moves suddenly back and forth, like in whiplash

What is Happening in My Body?

After the injury, the brain may process signals differently for a while. Think about it like this: getting a concussion is like shaking a snow globe. The brain gets rattled inside the skull, and the signals inside can become cloudy and mixed up for a while. This can affect balance, vision, and how you feel.

Because of this, you may feel:

  • Headache
  • Brain fog
  • Dizziness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • More emotional
  • Changes in your sleep
  • Fatigue

It is important to know:

  • You did not cause this
  • These symptoms are real 
  • Many people improve with the right care
  • Symptoms can change over time

How is a Concussion Diagnosed?

There is no single test for a concussion. A concussion usually does not show up on a CT scan or MRI. These scans may still be used after a head injury to rule out more serious problems.

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and your history of injury.

What Your Provider May Ask:

  • Have you had a concussion before?
  • What symptoms do you have?
  • What caused the injury?
  • When did the injury happen?
  • What makes your symptoms worse, such as stress, poor sleep, screens, or motion?
  • Do light, sound, or busy patterns bother you?
  • Has your sleep changed?

Before your visit to your clinician, think about or write down answers to these questions. This will help you give your provider detailed answers. The more you can tell them, the better they can understand your experience and begin to diagnose and treat you.

Common Tests Used to Confirm Diagnosis

  • Balance testing: looks at how your balance system responds
  • Neurological exam: checks reflexes, eye movements, and coordination
  • Cognitive testing: checks how your brain is working (e.g. memory, attention and concentration)
  • MRI or CT scan: may be used to rule out other problems

An example of a clinician checking how your eyes work together using a test called convergence.

How is a Concussion Treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms and your situation.  Below are possible treatments:

  • Rest and Return to Activity
    Many people need a short period of rest at first, to give their brain time to heal itself. After resting, you will move through a gradual return to normal activities.

    If the concussion happens during sports, the player should be removed from play right away. They should not return until medically cleared.

  • Education and Trigger Management
    Learning about your symptoms can help. Common triggers that can worsen symptoms include:
    • Poor sleep
    • Stress
    • Screen time
    • Doing too much too soon
  • Physical Therapy or Vestibular Rehabilitation
    Treatment may include:
    • Physical therapy for neck pain or stiffness
    • Vestibular therapy for dizziness, balance problems, and motion sensitivity
  • Medication
    There is no specific medicine that cures a concussion. However, some medicine may help with symptoms such as:
    • Headache
    • Nausea

What Can I Expect Over Time?

Will I Get Better?

Yes! Most people improve over time. Especially if they follow the treatment prescribed by their clinician. 

How Long Will It Take?

It depends. Some people feel better in days. Others may take weeks or months.

Can I Live a Normal Life?

Yes. Many people return to work, school, sports, and other daily activities after a short period of rest. Learning how to manage symptoms and triggers can help.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Contact your provider if you have:

  • New or sudden severe headache that doesn’t go away
  • Weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision loss
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe confusion
  • Ongoing or worsening nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Symptoms that are quickly getting worse or not improving

Always tell your clinician about any symptom that worries you.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

During your visit to a provider, you may want to ask:

  • When should I go back to work, school, or sports?
  • What should I avoid?
  • Would vestibular therapy help me?
  • What will help me recover?
  • What should I do during a flare-up?
  • When should I follow up or seek urgent care?

These questions can help you feel more prepared for your healing process and the future.

Key Takeaways/Key Points to Remember

  •  An impact or jolt to the head can cause a concussion.
  • A concussion can affect balance, vision, and thinking.
  • Diagnosis is based on symptoms, not one single test.
  • Symptoms can start right away or appear later.
  • Most people improve with rest, time, and the right care.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a person loses consciousness after a blow to the head. You should do this because passing out after a blow to the head can be a warning sign of a more serious brain injury, not just a concussion. Doctors may need to check for bleeding, swelling, skull injury, or neck/spine injury, which can be dangerous if missed.

Additional Resources