A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can affect memory, balance, concentration, mood, and overall brain function. Failing to recognize concussion symptoms or returning to activity too soon can increase the risk of more serious injuries and long-term complications.
In this article, you’ll learn what causes concussions, the warning signs to watch for, how healthcare providers make a concussion diagnosis, and treatment and recovery recommendations.
If you or a loved one has experienced a sports-related concussion or another sports injury, our experienced sports medicine team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties is here to help. With convenient locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, Ohio, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and recovery guidance to help you safely return to the activities you enjoy. Schedule an appointment today.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden blow, bump, or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement temporarily disrupts normal brain function and can affect thinking, memory, balance, coordination, vision, and emotional well-being.
Sports-related concussions happen when an athlete experiences a forceful impact to the head or body that causes the brain to move abruptly within the skull. Contrary to popular belief, an athlete does not have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.
Common causes include:
Concussion symptoms may appear immediately after an injury or develop over the next several hours. Every sports concussion is different, but symptoms generally fall into three categories.
Common physical symptoms include:
If symptoms worsen or include repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, seizures, weakness, loss of consciousness, or severe headaches, seek immediate medical attention, as these may indicate a severe concussion or another serious medical condition.
A concussion can affect thinking and memory. Cognitive symptoms may include:
Students and young athletes may notice these symptoms during school or other daily activities before returning to sports.
A concussion can also affect mood and behavior. Emotional symptoms may include:
Because these changes are sometimes subtle, parents, coaches, and family members often recognize them before the athlete does.
Many sports concussion cases go unreported because athletes want to keep playing, avoid disappointing teammates, or believe their symptoms are not serious. Since loss of consciousness is uncommon, coaches, parents, and teammates may mistake early concussion symptoms for fatigue, dehydration, or stress.
Returning to play before the brain has healed increases the risk of repeated concussions, persistent post-concussion symptoms, additional head injuries, and other more serious injuries. Encouraging athletes to report symptoms promptly helps ensure proper evaluation and safer recovery.
After a suspected concussion, a healthcare provider performs a thorough evaluation, including a medical history and neurological examination that assesses memory, concentration, balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes. Standardized assessment tools may also be used to support a concussion diagnosis and monitor recovery.
Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs are not typically needed to diagnose a mild traumatic brain injury, but they may be recommended if there is concern for bleeding, skull fractures, or other more serious injuries. The evaluation also helps identify accompanying head and neck injuries that may require additional treatment.
The goal of treatment is to treat concussions by allowing the brain to heal while gradually returning to normal activities. Recovery plans often include:
Most concussion patients recover within a few weeks. However, some develop persistent post-concussion symptoms, and symptoms lasting several weeks or longer may indicate post-concussion syndrome. Athletes should never ignore worsening symptoms and should seek immediate medical attention if new neurological symptoms develop.
Athletes should not return to sports until all concussion symptoms have resolved and they have been cleared by a healthcare provider.
A gradual return-to-play program typically includes:
If symptoms return, activity should stop until the athlete has recovered. This stepwise approach is especially important for young athletes and helps reduce the risk of repeated concussions.
While not all concussions can be prevented, athletes can reduce their risk by:
Parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare providers all contribute to effective concussion prevention. Early recognition and proper management help reduce the risk of long-term complications from sports concussion and other sports related injuries.
If you or your child has experienced a sports-related head injury, don’t wait to seek expert care. Our experienced sports medicine team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for sports-related injuries at its convenient Ohio locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, OH.
Schedule an appointment today to receive a thorough evaluation, personalized treatment plan, and expert guidance for a safe return to the activities you love.
Medically reviewed by Collin Krebs, M.D.
Common concussion symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, balance problems, blurred vision, memory difficulties, and sensitivity to light or noise. Even mild symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
No. Symptoms may not appear immediately after a sports concussion. Athletes should be removed from play and evaluated before returning to any athletic activity.
Most people recover within a few weeks, but recovery varies from person to person. Some individuals develop persistent post-concussion symptoms that require additional treatment and monitoring.
Yes. Repeated concussions may increase the risk of prolonged recovery, cognitive difficulties, and other long-term neurological complications. This is why every concussion should be taken seriously.
