Concussion Care: Causes

What causes my concussion symptoms?

• Short answer: symptoms of a concussion are the result of the brain's attempt to operate at decreased capacity

• Longer answer: with a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion, rapid head movement or impact causes distress to brain tissue resulting in the sudden release of neurotransmitters

This uncontrolled flood of neurotransmitters causes chemical and metabolic changes all around your brain, making it difficult for cells to function and communicate properly. The result is a decrease in brain function.

Symptoms of a concussion are a result of the brain's attempts to operate at decreased capacity. As the neurons repair themselves, the effect of a concussion decreases and brain function increases.

The time frame for full healing is usually 14-21 days. If symptoms linger longer than 21-30 days, the label of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent concussion symptoms is given.

View our in-depth guide