What is a concussion?
Straightforward information for athletes, parents, and adults: common symptoms, typical recovery, what can slow progress, and when to seek care.
Not emergency care. If red flags are present, call 911 or go to the ER.
A concussion is a functional disturbance in brain function after a force to the head or body. Symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep systems—and can also involve the neck, balance system, and vision.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can be physical, cognitive, emotional, or sleep-related. Many overlap with neck, balance, and visual strain.
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Headache/pressure, neck pain
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Dizziness/nausea, motion sensitivity
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“Foggy,” trouble focusing, slowed thinking
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Light/noise sensitivity
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Sleep changes, fatigue
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Irritability/anxiety/mood changes
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Screen/reading intolerance
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Balance/coordination issues
When Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected
Many people improve in the first couple of weeks. If symptoms aren’t improving or are limiting school/work/sport beyond 2 weeks, there are often identifiable, treatable contributors affecting recovery, such as:
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Neck involvement after impact (often linked to headache/dizziness)
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Balance/vestibular contributors (motion sensitivity, dizziness)
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Visual/eye-tracking strain (screens, reading)
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Exercise tolerance changes (symptoms with activity)
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Sleep/stress/recovery load
What you can do (safe basics)
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Prioritize sleep, hydration, and regular meals
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Light activity as tolerated (often short walks help)
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Use screen/reading breaks instead of “pushing through”
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Avoid high-risk activity until cleared
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Track your top triggers (screens, driving, exertion, busy environments)
WHAT NOT TO DO
(AVOID DOING)
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Complete shutdown for days (too little activity)
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Trying to “push through” major symptom spikes
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Returning to contact risk too early
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Ignoring neck pain/headache patterns
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Too much screen time without breaks
School, work, and sport
A stepwise return works best: increase cognitive/physical load only if symptoms stay stable. If symptoms spike, reduce intensity and progress more gradually.
Tools & Techniques We Use
We use a blend of hands-on care and evidence-based neuro-rehabilitation methods to help restore balance, coordination, and confidence in how you move. Each tool below plays a role in reconnecting your brain and body for lasting results.
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Vestibular & Oculomotor Therapy: Gaze stabilization, convergence, saccades, pursuits, and balance-vision drills tailored to your tolerance.
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Cervical Care: Gentle adjustments/mobilizations, soft-tissue release, and sensorimotor retraining.
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Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Informed Rehab: Foundational positions that stabilize breathing, head/neck alignment, and postural reflexes.
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Reflex-Based Movement Activation: Techniques inspired by the principles of Vojta Reflex Locomotion—using gentle, patterned inputs to stimulate automatic postural and movement responses. These activations help re-establish coordination between the head, neck, and trunk, improving balance and body control.
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Autonomic Reset Strategies: Breathing, pacing, hydration/salt guidance, and sleep optimization.
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Collaborative Referrals: Neuro-optometry, neurology, or physical therapy when needed for co-management.
Red FlagS: Seek Emergency Care Now
This program is not emergency care. If any of the following occur after a head injury, call 911 or go to the ER immediately:
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Worsening or severe headache, especially if rapidly increasing
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Repeated vomiting or persistent nausea that’s getting worse
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Seizure, convulsions, or any seizure-like episode
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Increasing confusion, agitation, unusual behavior, or inability to recognize people/places
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Loss of consciousness (even brief) or difficulty staying awake / extreme drowsiness
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Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the face/arm/leg, especially on one side
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Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
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Vision changes (double vision, loss of vision) or unequal pupils
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Trouble walking, severe balance loss, new clumsiness, or coordination changes
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Neck pain with concern for neck injury, midline tenderness, or inability to comfortably move the neck
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Fluid or blood from the nose or ears
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Severe worsening dizziness, or headache with stiff neck / fever
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Any symptom that rapidly worsens or “something just isn’t right” (especially in kids)
Want a clear plan?
If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms or need guidance for return-to-learn/play, the Concussion Recovery Program follows a structured sequence: Evaluation → Rehab → Re-evals → Discharge Plan.