In recent years, our understanding of concussions has evolved significantly. No longer viewed simply as a bump on the head, a concussion is now recognized as a mild traumatic brain injury, encompassing a complex array of metabolic, inflammatory, vascular, and neurological changes. However, what remains constant is the individuality of each concussion, with variations in physiology and presentation even among individuals with similar mechanisms of injury.

Contrary to common misconceptions, a concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness or a direct blow to the head. For instance, whiplash injuries in motor vehicle accidents can result in concussions due to the acceleration-deceleration of the brain inside the skull. Predicting the severity of a concussion at onset is challenging; accurate prognostication often requires monitoring symptoms in the initial 48 to 72 hours.

Clinical presentations of concussions vary widely, ranging from singular to multiple subtypes. Common subtypes include headache, neck pain, cognitive impairments, imbalance, dizziness, and visual disturbances. Treatment paradigms are tailored to address specific symptoms rather than relying solely on patient demographics or injury mechanisms.

Headache management involves identifying and treating the underlying cause, whether it be visual, mechanical, or cognitive overload. Neck pain rehabilitation typically includes a combination of manual therapy, stabilization exercises, and sensory integration techniques. Cognitive impairments are addressed through multidisciplinary programs targeting attention, perception, problem-solving, and memory.

Dizziness and imbalance post-concussion are treated using vestibular rehabilitation techniques, which aim to stimulate neural recovery through habituation and sensory recalibration. Visual impairments, such as central processing deficits and oculomotor dysfunction, require specialized vision rehabilitation programs. It’s important to recognize and address peripheral nerve injuries that may affect eye movements.

Formal concussion rehabilitation typically begins 48 hours after injury, following a period of rest, hydration, and light exercise. Rehabilitation progresses as symptoms resolve and tolerance increases, incorporating gradual exposure to stimuli and real-life situations.

Individuals experiencing concussion symptoms beyond one month may be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS), highlighting the chronic nature of their symptoms.

Key takeaways from this guide include:

Individualized rehabilitation: Recognizing that each person’s concussion experience is unique, rehabilitation should be tailored to their specific symptoms, abilities, and goals.

Evolving science: Concussion rehabilitation is an emerging field, guided by world consensus statements that synthesize current evidence to inform rehabilitation strategies.

Unpredictable presentation: Age, immediate symptoms, and physical trauma descriptors are unreliable predictors of post-concussion symptoms. Rehabilitation programs should adapt to the individual’s specific subtype presentations.

In conclusion, understanding concussion and its rehabilitation is a multifaceted endeavor. By acknowledging the diversity of concussion experiences and embracing evidence-based rehabilitation approaches, we can optimize outcomes and support individuals on their journey to recovery.