Learn More About Concussions

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

Frequently asked Questions
(FAQ)

What happens in my brain when I have a concussion?

In a concussion, the sudden acceleration forces cause microscopic tears in the brain tissue. These tears heal, but as the healing occurs you experience the symptoms of concussion. A concussion is not a bruise of the brain and the brain does not have to bump into the skull to cause a concussion.

Do I need a MRI or CT scan after my concussion?

Contrary to popular belief, concussions don’t show up on most magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams or CT scans. Brain scans are usually not helpful for a concussion. A CT scan takes pictures to create images of the brain. The scan can show if there’s a fracture or bleeding. An MRI creates clear images of brain tissue. But these scans cannot show if you have a concussion. A concussion is different from a fracture or bleeding. An MRI may be more appropriate if imaging is needed 48 hours or longer after an injury to evaluate persistent or worsening symptoms or where there is a concern for underlying pre-existing conditions (eg. headache or seizure disorder, etc.) and is best coordinated through your primary care physician.

What are the most common causes of concussion?

Anything that causes a sudden acceleration to the head/brain can cause a concussion, including whiplash forces from the body to the head. The single most common mechanism of injury is a fall. In young individuals, sports and active play are the most common activities in which people sustain concussions.

Is there a best time-frame for seeking treatment?

Evaluation within a few days of a concussion is optimal, but it is worth seeking care even if more time has elapsed. We have interventions that can help people deal with and recover from concussions, whether right after the concussion or weeks or even months after.

Does protective equipment prevent concussions?

No helmet, mouth-guard, or other equipment has been shown to reduce the incidence of concussions, although these devices definitely help prevent other types of injuries.

Should I wake up a concussed individual every hour or two?

No, if the concussed individual does not meet the criteria to be evaluated in an Urgent Care center or Emergency Department, it is preferable to let him or her sleep. Sleep is valuable for healing. It is common for a concussed individual to sleep a lot in the days after a concussion.

When can I return to playing sports?

For most concussions, once your symptoms have gone away you will have to complete a graduated return-to-play protocol with escalating levels of exercise before you can return to sports or PE. If you tolerate one level of the protocol you may move on to the next level on the next day. If there are no problems, the full return-to-play protocol takes about 5 days for contact sports.

What is concussion baseline testing?

Baseline concussion tests are done before a sports season or once annually and measure an athlete’s performance on cognitive, balance, reaction time, and similar tasks. After a hit to the head, repeating these tests and comparing results can determine if a concussion has occurred and when the athlete has recovered.

Concussion Signs and Symptoms

Concussion symptoms may last from a few days to several months. Some may never go away. Concussions can cause symptoms that interfere with school, work, and social life.

Dizziness

Nausea

Headaches

Difficulty remembering

Balance problems

Confusion

Disorientation

Behavior or personality changes

Sensitivity to light

Hearing changes

Sleep problems

Decreased attention

Fatigue

Increased irritability

Vision changes

Sluggish or foggy

How a PT Can Help in the
Concussion Recovery Process

Most adults (75-85%) recover from their concussion within 10-14 days, and for children, the expected recovery time frame is four weeks. However, for patients who are still experiencing symptoms beyond that threshold, seeing a physical therapist may also be warranted. Physical Therapists can provide treatment in the following ways:

Neck rehabilitation

A concussion can result from multiple types of head trauma, and what affects the head usually also affects the neck. We improve cervical and thoracic spine mobility and implement strategies and interventions to decrease discomfort. From manual therapy to progressed therapeutic exercises, PT interventions can help improve neck function.

Eye-tracking rehabilitation

Those affected by a concussion often report difficulty with vision and ability to track objects. If a patient has been examined and there are no cognitive red flags that would warrant a visit to a neurologist, a physical therapist can provide oculomotor exercises in a controlled environment to slowly retrain the individual to be able to tolerate complex moving visual environments.

Balance rehabilitation

We specialize in vestibular rehabilitation which can help concussion patients who continue to feel dizzy or off-balance in the days and weeks following their injury. After a thorough evaluation, these PTs can provide you with strategies and exercises to help your vestibular system adapt and move back toward functioning normally.

Graded exercise program

As symptoms ease and you are able to regain your normal strength and endurance without symptoms returning, your physical therapist will help you gradually add normal activities back into your daily routine.

“Brain Rest” Defined

After a concussion, the brain needs time to rest and recover normal function. Reducing cognitive activity is also called brain rest. Brain rest protects the brain from mental stress as it recovers and restores its normal function. Restrictions from the following should be considered because these activities increase brain function and can, therefore, worsen symptoms and delay recovery:

Computer or tablet
Internet use
Video games
Television
Text messaging/cell phone use

Bright lights
Headphones
Loud noises
Driving
Work

As Physical Therapists,
Our Goals Are To:

Restore function

Prevent injury

Optimize performance

cervical, connective tissue, reflexology

Decrease pain

Increase strength and flexibility

Return to activity

Learn more about our treatments

Patient Testimonials

After going through a significant accident, I went to ConcussionHQ and they helped me not only with my concussion but also with my orthopedic pain and injuries. My therapists were encouraging and beyond helpful.

Kyle DukesisRochester Hills, Michigan

I came in before my surgery and then after. The whole team helped me. I even learned how to correctly do things and now I can hit harder and not get hurt along the way.

Keith McMinnAuburn Hills, Michigan

I have been working with these guys for what feels like my whole life. I’ve been here many times. With lots of hard work and timely communication, they made sure I got back on the field Highly recommended!

Shawn BlientsChesterfield, Michigan

I have been an athlete my entire life and never had to do therapy. When I got a concussion, my doctor said I needed to come here. They helped so much. I didn’t think I’d ever get better, but they had me playing and living my life without issues pretty quick.

Luke WillisShelby Township, Michigan

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Learn More About Concussions