Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a sudden impact or force causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull causing damage to the delicate brain cells and the neural connections between them. While concussions are often referred to as “mild” brain injuries, they can have serious effects on brain function, especially if not properly identified or managed.
What causes a Concussion?
Concussions typically occur as a result of a sudden, external force or impact that causes the brain to shift within the skull.
This can result from:
Sports injuries
Car accidents
Slips and Falls
Physical trauma or blows to the head
Work Place Injuries
Domestic Violence
The force of the blow doesn't always need to be extreme, even a mild impact can lead to a concussion. Concussions may occur even without a direct impact to the head such as in the case of whiplash injuries.
Explore the 6 subtypes of Concussion and Post-Concussion symptoms
If you're experiencing lingering symptoms after a concussion, it's important to understand the different ways your brain and body may be affected. Visit our 6 Subtypes of Concussion Symptoms page to explore how cognitive, autonomic, oculomotor, vestibular, mood, and cervical issues may be contributing to your challenges. Learn how we assess and treat each subtype to help you make a full recovery.
Common Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may not always appear immediately after the injury. Symptoms can arise days to weeks after the initial head injury, and can range from mild to severe, affecting both physical and cognitive function.
Common symptoms include:
Headache or head pressure
Dizziness, balance, or coordination problems
Chronic fatigue
Blurry or double vision
Difficulty with screens
Neck pain
Lightheadedness when standing
Changes in heart rate or blood pressure regulation
Nausea or vomiting
Brain fog
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Sensitivity to light or sound
Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
Difficulties with sleep
Why should you seek treatment for a concussion?
Even a “mild” concussion can lead to lasting effects if left untreated. Early intervention and comprehensive management are essential to ensure proper brain recovery and prevent long term complications. Some individuals may go on to develop post-concussion syndrome, a condition where concussion symptoms persist for weeks, months, or years after the initial injury.
What is
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
Post-Concussion Syndrome is a collection of lingering symptoms that persists for weeks, months, or years after an initial concussion or traumatic brain in jury (TBI). A common misconception about concussions is that the injury will resolve on its own with rest and time. However, research now shows us that rest is not enough.
Without proper treatment of concussion and traumatic brain injury, almost half of patients can experience long lasting symptoms.
PCS can affect anyone after a concussion, regardless of the severity of the initial injury. The symptoms can vary from person to person and may interfere with work, school, social activities, and overall well-being.
If you've had a head injury and are still struggling with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, cognitive challenges, or mood changes, you may be dealing with Post-Concussion Syndrome.
How is a Concussion Diagnosed?
A concussion can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, as symptoms vary between individuals and may not appear immediately. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, Dr. Timko performs a comprehensive, multi-system assessment to identify the presence of a concussion and its effects on the brain and nervous system.
Concussions cannot be diagnosed with traditional imaging such as x-ray, CT scans, or MRIs because these tools do not show the subtle changes that occur in concussion.
If you’ve been told your imaging and lab results are “normal” but still experience symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to explore a more comprehensive evaluation to get the answers you deserve.
Treatment options for Concussion
Every concussion is unique, and so is every treatment plan. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, Dr. Timko uses a holistic and individualized approach to recovery, integrating functional neurology principles with evidence-based therapies.
Treatment may include:
Vestibular Therapy: Addresses dizziness vertigo, and balance issues.
Oculomotor Rehabilitation: Addresses blurry and double vision due to changes in eye movements.
Cognitive Training: Addresses memory, focus, attention, and mental clarity.
Return to Play Protocols: Follows best practices for returning to sport and school after a sports concussion.
Manual Therapy: Addresses musculoskeletal pain associated with whiplash injuries.
Autonomic Rehabilitation: Addresses heart rate and blood pressure regulation problems that may occur after concussion.
Our approach identifies and addresses the root causes of symptoms, focusing on restoring brain function and nervous system health to support long-term recovery.
WhY Choose Functional Neurology for your concussion Recovery?
Functional neurology takes a whole-brain approach to concussion care by assessing and restoring brain and nervous system function through targeted, non-invasive therapies. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on symptom management, functional neurology addresses the underlying causes of dysfunction for lasting recovery.
If you or someone you love has experienced a recent head injury or is showing signs of a concussion, it’s important to act quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help you return to health and restore brain function after a concussion.