Clearing Up the Confusion: What You Really Need to Know About Concussions

Concussions are one of the most common injuries I see, especially in athletes and active people. But anyone can get a concussion from a fall, accident, or bump to the head. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of confusion out there. In this post, I'll briefly walk you through what a concussion is, what it isn’t, and what to do if your symptoms don’t go away as expected.

A Concussion Is Not a Structural Injury

A concussion does not mean your brain has been “torn” or “damaged.” If you had an MRI or CT scan, it would probably look normal. That’s because a concussion is a functional injury. This means your brain is still intact, but it isn’t working as smoothly as it did before the injury.

We Don’t Grade Concussions Anymore

You may have heard of “Grade 1, 2, or 3” concussions. That system was stopped over 10 years ago. Today, concussions are no longer graded. Instead, the focus is on how your symptoms show up and how long they last.

What Does a Normal Recovery Look Like?

Most concussions get better on their own. For adults, recovery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. For kids and teens, it can take a bit longer—up to about 30 days. If your symptoms clear up within this time, that’s considered a typical recovery.

But what if your symptoms continue past that 30-day mark? At this point, it’s likely not just the concussion anymore. Instead, you may have what we call persistent concussion symptoms. Think of this almost like a new condition that needs a different approach to treatment.

Why Symptoms Can Stick Around

When symptoms last longer than expected, we look for other underlying issues. The three most common are:

1. Autonomic Dysfunction

• What it is: Your body struggles to manage blood flow and pressure inside your head, especially during physical activity. This can cause symptoms when you exercise, go for walks, or even when you stand up quickly.

• How we test: A treadmill test called the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test. I monitor your heart rate and symptoms as you walk.

• How we treat it: Carefully planned exercise therapy. I design a gradual exercise program that helps your body rebuild tolerance to activity.

  
  

2. Neck Problems

• What it is: When your head and neck whip around during an injury, your neck can get sprained, strained, or injured (like whiplash). Neck issues can cause headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms that feel a lot like a concussion.

• How we test: I check your neck’s range of motion, strength, and sensorimotor control.

• How we treat it: Targeted neck rehab to perform at home. Improving your neck function often reduces symptoms and advances recovery.

  
  

3. Vestibular and Ocular Issues (Balance and Eye Control)

• What they are:

  • The vestibular system controls balance and head movement.

  • The ocular system controls how your eyes move and work together.

• What can go wrong: Trouble with eye movements, balance, or head movements can all cause ongoing symptoms.

• How we test: Specific eye and balance assessments.

• How we treat it: Individualized exercises to retrain your eyes and balance system to perform at home.

  
  

The Key to Getting Better: Targeted Treatment

Saying “You have a concussion” or even “You have post-concussion symptoms” isn’t enough. What really matters is why you still have symptoms. Once I know if some problems are coming from your autonomic system, your neck, or your vestibular/ocular system, I can create a focused plan to help better manage your symptoms.

At Pro Function clinic, I take the time to peel back the layers and identify the root cause of your symptoms. Then, I give you specific exercises and treatments designed for your situation—not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you know is dealing with concussion symptoms that won’t go away, don’t lose hope. Recovery is possible. Look for a healthcare professional who understands how to test for the different causes of persistent concussion symptoms and can design a treatment program just for you.

The sooner you get the right help, the sooner you can get back to feeling like yourself again.