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
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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.