Question 1

What is a concussion?

Accepted Answer

A concussion is a type of mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move rapidly within the skull. This movement disrupts normal brain function and can cause temporary changes in balance, thinking, vision, and emotions. Concussions cannot typically be seen on CT or MRI scans, so clinical evaluation is required.

Question 2

What causes a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Concussions occur after an impulsive force to the head or body. This can include sports collisions, falls, car accidents, or other impacts that transmit force to the brain. The rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain causes temporary dysfunction in how brain cells communicate.

Question 3

How serious is a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Although concussions are categorized as “mild” traumatic brain injuries, they are still serious. Without proper management, symptoms can persist and interfere with daily life, learning, or athletic performance. Early, evidence-based evaluation and treatment by a trained concussion provider are crucial for optimal recovery.

Question 4

Can you have a concussion without hitting your head?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A concussion can happen when force to the body transmits to the head, causing the brain to move inside the skull even without a direct blow. Activities like whiplash in a car crash or a sudden fall can still cause concussion symptoms.

Question 5

Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness. Loss of consciousness is a sign of a more severe injury but is not required for a concussion diagnosis. Evaluation focuses on symptoms and clinical assessment rather than loss of consciousness alone.

Question 6

What are the most common concussion symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Concussion symptoms span multiple domains:
 • Physical: headache, dizziness, balance issues, vision disturbances, nausea
 • Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, memory issues, feeling “foggy”
 • Emotional: irritability, anxiety, mood changes
 • Sleep: changes in sleep patterns, fatigue
Symptoms vary by individual and may appear immediately or develop over hours.

Question 7

How long do concussion symptoms last?

Accepted Answer

Most concussion symptoms improve within a few days to about one month with evidence-based care.

If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, clinicians often describe them as persistent post-concussion symptoms, indicating the need for targeted rehabilitation.

Question 8

Can a concussion cause dizziness or balance problems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Concussions commonly affect the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation. Dizziness, unsteadiness, and balance issues are frequent symptoms that often require specialized vestibular rehabilitation.

Question 9

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Accepted Answer

While many people recover in days to weeks, recovery is individualized and depends on factors such as age, injury severity, and timing of care. Evidence shows that early assessment and tailored rehabilitation improve outcomes.

Question 10

What is the fastest way to recover from a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Faster recovery is associated with early professional evaluation, individualized treatment, and gradual return to activity. Clinics like Back in Action, North York emphasize early intervention and multimodal therapy to improve recovery timelines.

Question 11

Is rest still recommended after a concussion?

Accepted Answer

Short-term physical and cognitive rest is appropriate in the first 24–48 hours. After that, gradual, symptom-guided activity helps recovery. Prolonged rest can slow progress, so professional guidance is key.

Question 12

When should symptoms be a concern?

Accepted Answer

Seek urgent care if severe symptoms occur, such as repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, or neurological changes. Persistent symptoms beyond expected recovery timelines also require evaluation by a concussion specialist.

Question 13

Who should I see for concussion treatment?

Accepted Answer

See a trained concussion specialist at a CCMI-certified clinic like Back In Action for evidence-based evaluation and personalized rehabilitation. Specialized care improves recovery and ensures safe progression back to activity.

Question 14

What is concussion management therapy?

Accepted Answer

Concussion management therapy is a structured, evidence-based process involving assessment, symptom-guided rehabilitation, vestibular and visual therapy, and stepwise return to activities. It is designed to address the unique needs of each concussion case.

Question 15

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Post-concussion syndrome refers to persistent symptoms lasting more than four weeks, including headaches, cognitive difficulties, or balance issues. These cases benefit from targeted, multimodal rehabilitation.

Question 16

How long is too long for concussion symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms lasting beyond four weeks often indicate the need for further evaluation and a multimodal approach to rehabilitation targeting specific systems like vestibular, visual, and cognitive function.

Question 17

Can multiple concussions cause long-term damage?

Accepted Answer

Repeated concussions increase the risk of cumulative symptoms, longer recovery times, and potential long-term effects on neurological health, making prevention and proper management essential.

Question 18

Are concussions cumulative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each concussion can compound vulnerability to future injury and prolong recovery if previous concussions were not fully resolved with professional management.

Question 19

Are helmets effective in preventing concussions?

Accepted Answer

Helmets reduce the risk of severe skull injury but do not fully prevent concussions because they cannot stop internal brain movement. Proper fitting and sport-specific gear are still essential.

Question 20

What sports have the highest concussion risk?

Accepted Answer

Sports with frequent contact such as football, hockey, soccer, and rugby have higher concussion risk. Even sports without direct contact can cause concussions through falls or collisions.

Question 21

How Long Do Persistent Concussion Symptoms Last?

Accepted Answer

With proper treatment, most people with persistent symptoms improve significantly.

Recovery timelines vary depending on:
 • How long symptoms have been present
 • Which systems are involved
 • Individual health factors
 • Timing of appropriate care

Evidence shows that targeted treatment leads to better and faster outcomes than passive approaches.

Question 22

When Should You Seek Care for Persistent Symptoms?

Accepted Answer

You should seek concussion-specific care if:
 • Symptoms last longer than 4 weeks
 • Symptoms worsen with activity
 • You feel “stuck” in recovery
 • You were told to “just rest” but aren’t improving
 • You’ve had multiple concussions

Early intervention, even after weeks or months can make a significant difference.

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