If you’re experiencing severe symptoms like repeated vomiting, seizures, extreme confusion, or loss of consciousness after a head injury, go to the emergency room immediately or call 911. These signs indicate a serious brain injury that requires urgent medical attention.
However, many concussions—particularly those common among children and adults who participate in contact sports during the fall—don’t announce themselves dramatically. Someone who suffers a concussion might feel fine initially, only to notice symptoms hours or even days later. A seemingly minor bump during football practice or an accidental collision on the soccer field can result in an injury that doesn’t reveal itself right away.
The key to successful concussion recovery lies in early action. If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, the most effective approach is to begin a proper rehabilitation plan as soon as possible. Understanding what to do after a concussion can make the difference between a quick recovery and prolonged symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Monitor symptoms
After a potential concussion, your body may signal distress in various ways over the following days and weeks. Common symptoms of a minor concussion include:
- Headaches that may worsen with physical activity or concentration
- Changes in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Difficulty concentrating on work, school, or everyday tasks
- Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep or sleeping more than usual
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea without vomiting
- Memory issues, particularly with recent events
Tracking these symptoms is crucial for you or your loved one’s recovery. Keep a simple journal noting which symptoms you or they experience each day and their severity on a scale of 1-10. This information can help a healthcare provider understand your condition and adjust treatment accordingly.
As you do this, keep in mind that concussion symptoms can fluctuate. You might feel better one day and worse the next—this is normal during the healing process. When in doubt about your symptoms or their progression, physical therapists can conduct a standard concussion protocol test and provide rehabilitation regardless of your specific concerns.
What helps to heal a concussion
The brain possesses remarkable healing abilities, much like any other part of your body. With proper support and care, most concussions resolve completely. However, each concussion is unique, and recovery varies significantly from person to person based on factors like age, previous head injuries, overall health, and the severity of the current injury.
This wide spectrum of severity is precisely why professional guidance matters. A healthcare provider who specializes in concussion treatment can personalize your recovery plan based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
For nearly any concussion, rest is typically the foundation of concussion recovery. This means both physical and cognitive rest:
- Physical rest: Avoid activities that could result in another head injury or worsen symptoms until cleared by a healthcare provider. This includes contact sports, vigorous exercise, and activities requiring balance or coordination.
- Cognitive rest: Limit activities that require fixed concentration and/or high mental effort, such as reading, computer work, video games, and even texting. Your brain needs energy to heal, and cognitive demands can slow this process.
Confusingly, however, complete bedrest isn’t always the answer. Recent research shows that some light activity, when appropriate and properly timed, can actually support recovery. This is where professional guidance becomes invaluable—knowing when to rest and when to gradually reintroduce activities requires expertise.
Rehabilitation after concussion
Depending on your injury’s circumstances and your overall health, rehabilitation may be essential for ensuring a complete and efficient recovery. Brain injuries are complex, and a concussion can affect everything from your emotional state to your sense of balance, spatial awareness, and cognitive function.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in concussion recovery by addressing the multiple systems that may be affected:
- Vestibular therapy helps restore balance and reduce dizziness
- Vision therapy addresses eye movement problems and visual processing issues
- Cervical spine treatment manages neck pain and headaches often associated with concussion
- Gradual exercise progression safely reintroduces physical activity
- Cognitive rehabilitation helps restore focus, memory, and processing speed
Physical Therapists at Carolina Strong who are trained in concussion management use evidence-based protocols to assess your specific deficits and create targeted treatment plans. We can help you return to the sports, work, or activities you love—but we do so systematically and safely, reducing the risk of re-injury or prolonged symptoms.
The rehabilitation process typically involves several phases, starting with symptom management and progressing through gradual activity reintroduction. Your physical therapist will monitor your response to each phase, adjusting the pace based on how your brain responds to increased demands.
Concussion treatment in North Carolina
Whether for yourself or your young athlete, getting the right care after a concussion can make the difference between a quick and full recovery and unexplained symptoms that won’t go away.
Our clinics throughout eastern NC specialize in comprehensive concussion rehabilitation. Our experienced physical therapists use the latest evidence-based protocols to assess your specific needs and create a personalized recovery plan that gets you back to your normal activities safely and efficiently.
Start a conversation with our team by calling a clinic near you or by requesting your first appointment online today.