FAQ · Concussion and mTBI
Concussion and mTBI
A concussion can affect vision, balance, cognition, sleep, autonomic regulation, activity tolerance, and the cervical spine. These questions cover common patterns, particularly when symptoms have not resolved as expected.
How concussion presents
- Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?Yes. Loss of consciousness occurs in only a minority of concussions. Most patients remain conscious and may not initially recognize that a concussion has occurred.
- How long should concussion symptoms last?Most concussion symptoms improve substantially within a few weeks. When symptoms persist beyond about four weeks, targeted evaluation of the systems involved is generally recommended rather than continued waiting.
Persistent symptoms
- Why do concussion symptoms worsen with activity?After a concussion, the brain's ability to handle neurological, autonomic, and metabolic demand is temporarily reduced. Activity raises demand past that capacity, and symptoms appear or worsen.
- What causes dizziness after a concussion?Post-concussion dizziness usually reflects a combination of vestibular, oculomotor, cervical, and autonomic contributions rather than a single cause.
Related service
Concussion & mTBI Care
Comprehensive evaluation and targeted rehabilitation for concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
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