A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that, contrary to popular belief, can occur from a variety of reasons besides a blow to the head. It can cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, among other things. A variety of healthcare professionals can treat your symptoms and guide you through your recovery.
What is a concussion?
A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a brain injury that can be caused by a direct blow to the head or an indirect impact to the body. If the force is strong enough to move the brain, it can cause it to hit the inside of the skull. For example, falling from a second floor or spending a few minutes too long on a mechanical bull can result in a concussion.
A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury in both adults and children. In Quebec, over 45,000 people visited the emergency room or a clinic for this diagnosis in 2019, according to the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services.
What are the signs of a concussion?
Concussion symptoms can vary widely. The most common include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Disorientation
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness (possible but rare, occurring in only 5 to 9% of cases)
The key thing to remember is that symptoms should improve with time. If you notice worsening alertness, significant confusion, repeated vomiting or difficulty walking, seek emergency care as soon as possible.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
The duration of symptoms varies from person to person. Some recover in a few days, while others take several weeks or even months. For a first concussion, symptoms usually improve within the first month. However, a history of concussions or other health issues may slow recovery.
If symptoms last more than three months, it is considered post-concussion syndrome, which can involve a wide range of persistent symptoms. A second concussion too soon after the first, known as second impact syndrome, can have serious consequences even if the second impact seems mild. That’s why athletes are always removed from play immediately after a suspected concussion.
To learn more, check out our article: What to do after a concussion.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)?
There’s often confusion between the terms concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The term concussion was popularized by the field of sports medicine. Since many high-profile cases come from the sports world, the general public has adopted the same terminology.
In general medical practice, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to damage affecting the brain or head. What you need to know is that a concussion and an mTBI are generally considered to be the same thing.
Classification of TBIs: mild, moderate or severe?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are generally classified into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. In Quebec, the diagnosis of a concussion or TBI is made by a physician. The doctor relies on specific classification criteria and the individual’s clinical presentation to determine the severity of the injury.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI to know if I have a concussion?
Medical imaging, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), does not necessarily detect a concussion. In more severe cases, imaging may reveal structural damage like bleeding inside the skull. However, in cases of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), imaging results are often normal.
Do helmets or mouthguards reduce the risk of concussion?
Wearing a protective helmet is strongly recommended in many sports — not only contact sports like hockey, football, or ringette, but also non-contact activities like cycling or snowboarding. A common myth is that helmets reduce the risk of concussion. This is false. Helmets protect the skull from fractures, which is critically important, but they do not prevent the brain from moving within the skull. Therefore, they do not reduce the risk of concussion.
Some also believe that mouthguards, beyond protecting the teeth and mouth, can help lower the risk of concussion. This, too, is false. No study has been able to demonstrate a link between wearing a mouthguard and a reduced incidence of concussion.
How is a concussion treated?
Expert tip: Avoid overstimulating the brain
To recover from a concussion properly, you must first avoid stimulating your brain, both physically and cognitively, such as working or going to school, being in front of screens, light, noise, physical activity, etc.
This rest period is important, even if your symptoms disappear after only a few hours, because your brain needs about 14 days to recover minimally from this type of injury.
If you don’t rest long enough, the symptoms may reappear. Often, this relapse is related to resuming activities too rapidly, causing the nervous system to be unable to adapt.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional trained in concussion management, especially if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, in order to receive the appropriate advice and treatment.
Which professional should you consult?
Different professionals often work together to maximize results. When in doubt, we recommend that you first consult a physiotherapist after a concussion so that they can assess your needs and the treatments required for your specific condition. If necessary, they will recommend other professional(s) to consult in order to optimize your rehabilitation.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat disorders and disabilities that occur as a result of a concussion. Your physiotherapist will guide you through every step of your recovery so you know exactly how and when you can resume your activities.
Concussion treatment
Many therapists have advanced training in the treatment of concussions (also called mild traumatic brain injuries). In addition to providing you with information and advice on your condition, your therapist will suggest a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms. He will accompany you in the resumption of your activities (such as reading, using a computer, working, driving, playing sports, etc.) by ensuring that your nervous system adapts well to each new stage.
