A concussion is a common neurological condition, known to result in a range of impairments that can hinder an individual’s ability to resume meaningful activities. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head or body, resulting in the brain moving rapidly back and forth within the skull. This movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage brain cells. Concussions are common in contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey but can also occur due to falls, car accidents, or other physical trauma.

Signs and Symptoms of Concussions

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can vary widely but often include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in mood or behavior

It’s important to note that symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury, so closely monitoring signs is necessary, especially after any head trauma.

Diagnosis of Concussions

Healthcare professionals, like doctors, physical therapists or athletic trainers, use various methods to diagnose concussions, including:

• Physical examination: Assessing symptoms, cognitive function, balance, and coordination.
• Neurological assessment: Testing reflexes, vision, and other neurological functions.
• Cognitive tests: Evaluating memory, concentration, and information processing speed.
• Imaging tests: While not always necessary, CT scans or MRI scans may be used to rule out other brain injuries or complications.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) refers to a complex set of symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion.

Signs and symptoms of PCS include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Sleep problems
• Concentration problems
• Memory problems 

The Role of Physical Therapy in Concussion Management

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the complex management of concussions. While rest and cognitive rehabilitation are essential components of recovery, physical therapists specialize in addressing the physical aspects of concussion symptoms.

Physical therapists work closely with healthcare providers to create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. These plans may include exercises to improve balance and coordination, vestibular rehabilitation to address dizziness and vertigo, and gradual return-to-activity protocols to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Including neck strengthening exercises may be beneficial to reduce a person’s risk for concussion.

Return to Sports following a Concussion

Upon diagnosis of a concussion in an athlete, it is crucial to adhere to a structured Return to Play (RTP) protocol as per international consensus guidelines.

• Prescreening: Pre-screening for concussions is a critical part of sports medicine, especially for sports teams. It helps identify players with prior concussions and those at higher risk.
• Following a concussion diagnosis, the athlete should not resume practice or competitive play on the same day. This measure is designed to minimize the likelihood of sustaining a subsequent concussion and to reduce the risk of developing Second Impact Syndrome.
  • Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when an individual sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from the first one.
• Gradual Resumption of Activities: After a brief period of initial rest (typically 24 to 48 hours), the athlete can begin engaging in symptom-limited activities. These activities should remain below a cognitive and physical threshold that could worsen their symptoms. There is no definitive test to determine physiological recovery; therefore, clinical recovery, assessed by the ability to perform activities without worsening of symptoms, should guide the return to sports.