A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move suddenly within the skull. This movement can temporarily disrupt brain function even if you don't lose consciousness or hit your head directly. It’s important to remember: you don't need to black out to have a concussion.
Common causes:
Sports collisions (football, soccer, basketball, etc.)
Falls
Car accidents
Whiplash injuries
Concussions are diagnosed based on symptoms and a clinical exam, not by a CT scan, MRI, or other imaging.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or “foggy” thinking
Nausea or vomiting
Light or noise sensitivity
Balance problems
Fatigue
Mood changes (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
Confusion, memory problems, or slow response time
These symptoms may appear immediately or could be delayed hours or days after the injury.
If symptoms worsen, or if there’s vomiting, worsening headache, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency care right away.
Contrary to old advice, treatment is not complete bedrest anymore. Today’s concussion care is more nuanced and evidence-based. After a brief rest period, we will determine the soonest it is safe to return to light non-contact activities, recommend a non-contact exercise progression tailored to return you to your activities, prescribe vestibular exercises if indicated, and recommend school/work accommodations as needed.
This rare but serious condition happens when a second concussion occurs before the brain has fully healed from the first. It can lead to rapid brain swelling and is potentially life-threatening. This is why it is critical to never tough it out or rush back to play.