A concussion is associated with a range of symptoms that can impact cognitive function, sleep, mood and physical capacity.
This type of injury can be common in athletes participating in contact sports such as Rugby, and with the Six Nations 2023 reaching its conclusion this weekend, we spoke to ISEH Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Dr Theo Farley, who has a specialist expertise in concussion to understand more about this head injury.
Dr Farley shares expertise and insight surrounding this injury, answering the most common questions asked about a concussion to help people be more aware of how to recognise and managing signs and symptoms when it comes to a suspected concussion and details when medical advice should be sought.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is an injury that occurs as a result of a direct impact to the head or to the body that transmits an impulse to the head, like a whiplash injury. A number of mostly functional changes occur in the brain such as ionic and blood flow changes and dysfunction of the system that regulates cardiovascular function, leading to the collection of symptoms (highlighted below). There may also be disruption to the balance system and the neck which cause similar and overlapping symptoms to that of the brain injury. Having a concussion can be scary, but with the proper treatment the changes discussed are reversable.
What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
The signs of concussion can present immediately to up to 48 hours post injury. This means that it is important that when someone suffers a significant impact in a sporting or domestic context that they rest for the remainder of the day.
When someone has suffered a concussion, they may appear initially confused or vague, or they may have the onset of a headache or dizziness. Other symptoms may also be present, but they do not need to have suffered a loss of consciousness for it to be a concussion. It is important to remember that everyone reports a different experience when they have suffered a concussion which can make the initial diagnosis difficult. Whatever you do, it is important to undertake gentle activity where possible.
Symptoms of concussion:
Concussion is linked to a range of symptoms that can affect a person’s cognitive function for example, sleep, mood and physical capacity.
The most commonly reported symptoms of concussion are:
• Headache
• “Pressure in head”
• Neck Pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Balance problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling slowed down
• Feeling like “in a fog“
• “Don’t feel right”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Fatigue or low energy
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• More emotional
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Nervous or Anxious
• Trouble falling asleep (if applicable)
What is the treatment for Concussion?
Statistics show that 80% of concussions will resolve in within 10 days and especially if the sufferer undertakes a period of reduced activity levels within the limits of symptom provocation (not complete rest). If you are still suffering from symptoms beyond this period of time, it may be worth seeing a concussion specialist to start some active management.
Treatment will cover a range of different interventions such as neck management, balance system rehabilitation and interventions specifically designed to address the dysfunction occurring in the brain. This can be done with a physiotherapist specialising in concussion.
Post-concussion syndrome – what is it?
Post-concussion syndrome is a term often used to describe concussive symptoms that do not resolve within around three weeks. This is likely to be due to problems with the balance system (vestibular and oculomotor), the neck, where headaches and imbalance can often come from, and a part of the brain called the autonomic nervous system that regulates certain functions which commonly leads to concussive symptoms.
Relative rest is recommended following a concussion and reducing activity levels below the threshold is recommended where symptoms are significantly aggravated. If this doesn’t settle symptoms, then speaking to a concussion specialist is the next step.
How long does a concussion last?
Concussion will usually resolve within weeks but it can last longer. People often feel helpless when they have long lasting symptoms due to an apparent lack of understanding about the recovery process. This doesn’t need to be the case as there is a lot that can be done to treat the injury.
Make an appointment:
Dr Theo Farley is a dedicated specialist physiotherapist with expertise managing both elite athletes and active individuals for concussion related concerns and complaints at our leading sport, exercise and medicine facility on Tottenham Court Road in Central London.
To enquire about a consultation with, please contact our team by calling 020 3447 2800 or emailing, info@iseh.co.uk.
Please visit the NHS website for advice and guidance relating to concussion. If you are concerned about symptoms, it is important to seek medical help/advice.