Recognizing the signs to act quickly against concussions

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a common traumatic brain injury that occurs after a direct or indirect blow to the head, a strong impact, or a fall. In many cases, the mechanism is similar to a “whiplash” injury in a car accident.

Although concussions are often perceived as minor injuries, they can have serious consequences for a person’s health and well-being. This is why it is crucial to recognize the warning signs and respond appropriately.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at what a concussion is, its symptoms, risk factors, possible complications, and available prevention and treatment measures. Ultimately, the goal is to provide clear tools to help respond quickly and effectively.

A concussion is a temporary disturbance of brain activity that causes a transient alteration in brain function. Unlike more severe head injuries—such as skull fractures or intracranial hemorrhages—concussions usually do not show any visible structural damage on imaging exams such as CT scans or MRIs.

However, concussions can significantly affect a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning.

The symptoms of a concussion can vary greatly from person to person and may be obvious or, on the contrary, subtle. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent or severe headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Ongoing fatigue or excessive drowsiness
• Blurred or impaired vision
• Short-term memory problems
• Mood swings or irritability

Additionally, a brief loss of consciousness can occur, though it rarely lasts more than 15 minutes. In other cases, the person may not realize they’ve sustained a concussion.

Finally, it’s important to note that symptoms don’t always appear immediately after the injury and can sometimes take up to 48 hours to emerge.

Red flag symptoms – seek emergency care immediately: sudden worsening headache, repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, seizures, severe disorientation, or any noticeable change in behavior.

Certain factors can increase the risk of concussion, including:

• Participation in contact or collision sports: football, rugby, hockey, boxing, cycling, skiing, etc.
• Road traffic accidents
• Previous head injuries
• High-risk professional or recreational activities: construction workers, electricians, etc.

Moreover, children, teenagers, and young adults are particularly vulnerable due to the immaturity of their brains and their frequent involvement in physical and sports activities.

While most concussions resolve fully, some complications can arise and require close medical monitoring.

Some symptoms—such as headaches, light and noise sensitivity, sleep difficulties, or short-term memory problems—may persist for several days after the injury. Typically, they disappear within the second week of recovery. However, in some cases, they can last for months or, rarely, even years.

People who have experienced a concussion are more likely to sustain another one, particularly if the new injury occurs before full recovery. In adolescents, many post-concussion symptoms—such as irritability, fatigue, or trouble concentrating—may be mistakenly attributed to typical teenage behavior.

Research has shown that repeated concussions can increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Charcot’s disease. The risk can be up to four times higher in people who have sustained a concussion.

Therefore, it’s essential to take every concussion seriously and follow medical recommendations closely.

Concussion prevention relies on several key strategies, including:

• Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, during activities with a risk of head injury
• Adopting safe playing techniques and following rules in contact sports
• Raising public awareness of concussion risks and the importance of early detection and treatment
• Educating workers, athletes, parents, coaches, and healthcare professionals on warning signs

In practice, the rule “when in doubt, sit it out” is critical to reducing the risk of a second impact. Unfortunately, experts estimate that around 80% of concussions go undiagnosed, which makes better symptom recognition essential.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Concussion treatment usually involves rest, gradual recovery, and symptom management, including:

• Complete physical and cognitive rest until symptoms disappear, avoiding intense physical or mental activities
• Managing headaches, nausea, and sleep issues with appropriate therapies
• Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional to monitor recovery and guide rehabilitation
• Physical, cognitive, or vestibular rehabilitation when symptoms persist

Recovery typically starts with 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, followed by a stepwise return to activity:

1. Light activity without symptom aggravation
2. Partial return to school or work
3. Full return to daily activities only after medical clearance
4. Gradual return to sports once the person is symptom-free

If symptoms reappear, the patient should return to the previous step.

The whiplash mechanism often creates multiple tensions at the impact site and beyond, with consequences such as fatigue, headaches, cervical pain, chest tightness, or lower back pain. These tensions can contribute to the persistence of symptoms.

Through appropriate manual techniques and in close collaboration with healthcare providers, an osteopath can help alleviate these symptoms and improve comfort. However, osteopathy remains a complementary approach to medical assessment and follow-up.

Limits

A cervical spine injury associated with a concussion should always be suspected. In cases of doubt, osteopathic techniques should be gentle, and further medical evaluation is required. Only the physician can determine the appropriate care strategy.

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in helping patients regain their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities. Based on their assessment, they design an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• Manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Vestibular and balance rehabilitation
• Other complementary modalities

The main goals are to strengthen muscles, improve coordination and balance, restore function, and promote optimal recovery. Additionally, the physiotherapist provides education and guidance to the patient and their family on symptom management, precautions during recovery, and warning signs to monitor.

Finally, they conduct regular follow-ups, adjusting the treatment plan as needed, and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, personalized care.

Concussions are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention and an adequate recovery period. By understanding their symptoms, risk factors, potential complications, and prevention and treatment measures, we can collectively reduce risks and protect overall health and well-being.

At Aliantis Sitges, our multidisciplinary team (osteopathy, physiotherapy, psychology) can support your recovery in coordination with your physician.

According to experts, 80% of concussions go undiagnosed. If you experience symptoms, don’t take any chances and talk to your doctor.

This blog article is not intended to generate new knowledge; its writing is based on the review of scientific publications, blog articles, and other writings.