Concussion Care: Symptom Origins

Concussion symptoms are commonly derived from many aspects of brain function. As healing is occurring, individual systems and combined neural networks are often slow to respond to stimuli or interpret incoming information incorrectly.

Symptom Perceptions

Observed by others:

• Dazed look

• Loss of consciousness

• Moving slowly or clumsily

• Personality changes

Felt by you:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Sleep irregularities

• Light sensitivity

• Noise sensitivity

• Difficulty thinking

The systems and networks most commonly involved are:

• Vestibular

• Visual or oculomotor

• Autonomic regulation

• Neuroendocrine

• Light/Noise sensitivity

• Cognitive

Understanding the origin of specific symptoms allows for a targeted concussion treatment approach. After a short period of rest active recovery strategies are important to implement.

View our in-depth guide