Concussions
Concussions: The Injury People Downplay—Until They Live With It
Many people hear “concussion” and think “minor.” But a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it can affect how you think, feel, sleep, and function—even when you look okay on the outside. (CDC)
If you were in a crash, a fall, or another impact and you haven’t felt right since, this post is meant to help you make sense of that. I’m a plaintiff-side personal injury attorney building a TBI-focused educational resource. This is health-first information to reduce confusion and help you know when to seek care.
Key takeaways
A concussion can come from a hit to the head or a hit to the body that makes the head and brain move rapidly. (CDC)
You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. (CDC)
Symptoms can affect your body, thinking, mood, and sleep—and they can change during recovery. (CDC)
Routine CT/MRI imaging can be normal in concussion, especially in milder cases. (PMC)
Many people can return to work/school within days or weeks, but some need longer and benefit from follow-up care. (CDC)
What a concussion actually is
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. That sudden movement can make the brain bounce or twist inside the skull and trigger chemical changes that disrupt normal function. (CDC)
In plain English: after a concussion, your brain may not run the way it usually does for a while. That can show up as headaches, fogginess, irritability, sleep problems, or difficulty tolerating screens and busy environments. (CDC)
Common symptoms people miss (or try to push through)
Concussion symptoms can be different for each person and may change during recovery. Some symptoms show up right away; others become more noticeable when you try to return to normal life. (CDC)
Common symptoms include:
Headache or pressure in the head (CDC)
Dizziness, balance problems, nausea (CDC)
Sensitivity to light or noise (CDC)
Feeling slowed down, foggy, or having trouble concentrating (CDC)
Memory problems (CDC)
Irritability, anxiety, sadness (CDC)
Sleeping more or less than usual, or trouble falling asleep (CDC)
Myth vs. reality: “But I didn’t black out.”
Myth: You have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
Reality: Many concussions happen without a blackout. Loss of consciousness is not required. (CDC)
If you didn’t go to the ER right away, that does not automatically mean nothing happened. Symptoms can emerge or become obvious after you try to resume work, exercise, or your usual routine. (CDC)
Why scans don’t always “show it”
CT scans and MRIs are important tools for ruling out emergencies like bleeding, but concussion—especially mild TBI—often does not show clear abnormalities on conventional imaging. (PMC)
A normal scan can be reassuring for safety. It is not the same thing as “no injury,” and it should not be used to dismiss persistent symptoms. (PMC)
What to do if you suspect a concussion
This is general information, not medical advice. If you are concerned:
Get evaluated by an appropriate clinician (primary care, urgent care, sports medicine, neurology, or a concussion clinic—depending on symptoms and access). (CDC)
Be specific about what changed and what is harder now (sleep, focus, screens, driving, work pace). Symptom patterns matter in concussion care. (CDC)
Ask what a safe, gradual return to activity looks like for you. Many guidelines support graded resumption of normal activities as tolerated, rather than extremes. (concussionsontario.org)
When it lasts longer than expected
Many people improve within days to weeks, but some have symptoms that persist and need follow-up. When symptoms linger, clinicians often look for contributors that can be treated (for example, sleep disruption, headache patterns, vestibular issues, vision issues, or neck injury that overlaps with concussion symptoms). (concussionsontario.org)
FAQ
Can a concussion happen without hitting your head?
Yes. A hit to the body that causes rapid head/brain movement can cause a concussion. (CDC)
How soon do symptoms show up?
Symptoms can appear immediately, or they can become noticeable over hours or days and may change during recovery. (CDC)
If my CT/MRI is normal, does that rule out concussion?
No. Conventional imaging is often normal in concussion and mild TBI. (PMC)
How long does recovery usually take?
Many people can return to work/school and other activities within a few days or weeks, but some need longer and benefit from follow-up care. (CDC)
What symptoms mean I should seek emergency care?
Seek emergency care right away for red-flag symptoms such as a worsening headache that won’t go away, repeated vomiting, unusual confusion, seizures, weakness/numbness, or difficulty waking up. (CDC)
Disclaimer
This post is general information only and is not medical advice or legal advice. If you suspect a concussion, seek evaluation from a qualified clinician. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. (CDC)
Sources
CDC HEADS UP: Concussion basics and definition. (CDC)
CDC: About mild TBI and concussion; symptom guidance. (CDC)
CDC: Concussion discharge instructions and danger signs. (CDC)
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (3rd ed.) guideline for adult concussion/prolonged symptoms; graded return to activity. (concussionsontario.org)
Peer-reviewed and professional references on conventional imaging often being normal in concussion/mTBI. (PMC)
Author: Chandler Crawford, esq.
