Concussion
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that happens when the brain is shaken or jarred inside the skull due to a fall, blow, or sudden force. This rapid movement can temporarily disrupt normal brain function, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Loss of consciousness may or may not occur.
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Concussions are common in sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and falls, and while many resolve on their own, others progress to post-concussion syndrome, which requires professional care.
Common Causes of Concussion
Concussions can affect how you feel, think, and move. Symptoms often appear in four key domains:
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Physical: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise, neck pain, imbalance.
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Cognitive: Poor memory, brain fog, reduced concentration, delayed processing.
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Emotional: Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings.
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Sleep-related: Difficulty sleeping, excessive sleepiness, or poor sleep quality.
Symptoms may develop immediately or hours to days later. If left untreated, they can persist and interfere with school, work, and daily life.
Potential Complications
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Post-Concussion Syndrome: Symptoms lasting weeks or months, affecting quality of life and productivity.
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Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): A rare but often fatal complication if a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed. This risk is especially high in young athletes.​
When To Seek Help
Many concussions improve within days to weeks, but you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
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Loss of consciousness at the time of injury.
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Worsening headaches or persistent severe headaches.
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Repeated vomiting or nausea.
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Slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty recognizing people/places.
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Weakness, numbness, or balance problems that are worsening.
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Seizures or convulsions.
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Changes in vision (double vision, blurred vision).
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Difficulty staying awake or waking up.
Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important to consult a trained professional if:
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Symptoms last longer than 10–14 days (in adults) or more than 4 weeks (in children/adolescents).
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You have a history of multiple concussions.
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Your symptoms interfere with school, work, or daily activities.
At Cogent Rehab Burlington, our physiotherapists provide comprehensive assessments and rehabilitation to guide you safely back to normal activity.
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, we provide comprehensive concussion care, including:
We use evidence-based methods such as vestibular rehab, manual therapy, oculomotor training, exertion programs, and advanced tools like BrainHQ cognitive training and biofeedback to promote recovery.
FAQs About Concussion
Q1. How do I know if I have a concussion?
If you’ve had a blow to the head or body and are experiencing dizziness, headache, brain fog, or mood changes, you may have a concussion. A professional assessment is the best way to confirm.
Q2. Do I need imaging (like an MRI or CT scan)?
Most concussions do not show up on imaging. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination by a healthcare professional.
Q3. Can children recover differently than adults?
Yes. Children and adolescents may take longer to recover and are at greater risk of complications like Second Impact Syndrome. Specialized pediatric concussion care is recommended.
Q4. How soon should I start physiotherapy after a concussion?
It’s best to begin within the first 1–2 weeks if symptoms persist. Early, targeted interventions can shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.
Q5. Can I return to sports or school right away?
No. A structured Return-to-Play or Return-to-Learn plan is critical. Your physiotherapist will guide you safely through the process.