Physical & Sensory
- • Headache or pressure in the head
- • Dizziness or balance problems
- • Nausea
- • Sensitivity to light or noise
- • Blurred or double vision
- • Neck pain
Concussion & Brain Injury
Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome
General information about concussion and post-concussion syndrome, including symptoms, recovery, broader medical context, and selected research.
Important Context
Educational Information Only
This page is provided for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance.
Information about concussion and post-concussion syndrome is presented to support understanding of symptoms, variation in presentation, and the broader medical picture. Individual care decisions should be made with appropriate healthcare professionals.
Overview
Understanding Concussion
Concussion is a functional brain injury caused by a direct blow, jolt, or rapid acceleration-deceleration of the head. It does not require a direct impact to the skull — a sudden change in head movement alone can be sufficient.
The injury disrupts normal brain function through a cascade of neurochemical and metabolic changes, rather than through structural damage visible on standard imaging. This is why concussion is described as a functional injury — the brain is affected in how it works, not necessarily in how it looks on a scan.
Symptoms & Changes
How It May Present
Cognitive & Emotional
- • Feeling slowed down or foggy
- • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- • Fatigue or low energy
- • Drowsiness or trouble sleeping
- • Irritability or mood changes
- • Feeling anxious or sad
Recovery Varies
Most people recover from concussion within two to four weeks. However, recovery can vary considerably depending on the nature of the injury, the person's history, age, and how activity was managed in the early phase.
Early management — including appropriate rest followed by gradual return to activity — is considered important for supporting recovery. Current evidence suggests that prolonged complete rest is not necessarily beneficial, and that a guided, graduated return to activity is generally preferred once acute symptoms have stabilised.
Persistent Symptoms
Post-Concussion Syndrome
When concussion symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window — generally beyond four weeks in adults, or one to three months in some frameworks — the presentation may be described as post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussive symptoms.
PCS can involve some or all of the same symptoms as acute concussion, and may also include symptoms that emerge or worsen over time, such as increased sensitivity to sensory input, cognitive fatigue, sleep disruption, and mood changes. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and are an active area of research.
Clinical Assessment
Concussion assessment typically considers symptom history, timing and mechanism of injury, cognitive and physical testing, and the broader context of the person's health. Standardised tools such as the SCAT6 are widely used to support structured symptom evaluation in clinical and sporting settings.
Broader Medical Context
Concussion is typically managed within a multidisciplinary framework that may involve general practitioners, sports medicine physicians, neurologists, physiotherapists, neuropsychologists, and other healthcare providers, depending on the complexity and duration of the presentation.
Free Tool · Based on SCAT6
Not sure if you have a concussion?
Our free symptom checker is based on the SCAT6 — the gold standard assessment tool used by sports medicine doctors worldwide. It takes about 5 minutes, covers all age groups, and gives you a clear picture of your symptoms and what to do next.
Take the free symptom check →5 minutes · No login required · Adult, teen & child versions
Research Themes
Research & Clinical Insights
Research in concussion has evolved significantly over the past decade, with growing consensus around structured assessment tools, graduated return-to-activity protocols, and the management of persistent post-concussive symptoms.
Research findings vary and may not be applicable to all individuals. Inclusion of these articles is for general informational purposes only and does not imply clinical relevance or suitability of any particular intervention.
Consensus & Diagnosis
International consensus guidance and clinical diagnostic frameworks for concussion in sport and mild traumatic brain injury.
Management Guidelines
A synthesis of clinical practice guidelines for the management of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury across healthcare settings.
Silverberg ND, Iaccarino MA, Panenka WJ, Iverson GL, McCulloch KL, Dams-O'Connor K, Reed N, McCrea M. Management of Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Synthesis of Practice Guidelines. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2020;101(2):382–393.Looking for More Context?
For information about assessment philosophy and broader clinical reasoning, please see our Approach page. Educational information is presented separately from service information to support clarity and context.