A concussion is one of the most common injuries affecting the brain, often described as a mild traumatic brain injury. Yet, despite this qualifier, its consequences can be very real and lasting. Whether following an impact during sports activity, a car accident, a fall or even a minor impact, a concussion can temporarily disrupt brain function. Symptoms vary depending on the severity, the area of the brain affected and the person themselves. Some appear immediately, others several hours or even days after the trauma. Recognizing these signs is crucial to react in time, avoid complications and allow for complete recovery.
1. What is a concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain undergoes rapid and violent movement inside the skull. This sudden movement causes a disruption of neuronal function, without necessarily causing structural damage visible on medical imaging (MRI or CT scan). In other words, the brain is not “broken,” but unbalanced in its internal communication. The neurons, synaptic connections and electrical circuits are temporarily altered.
The most common causes:
- Fall with impact to the head (in children or the elderly).
- Road accident (whiplash).
- Contact sports (hockey, football, soccer, boxing).
- Domestic accident (impact against a hard surface).
Even an impact without loss of consciousness can cause a concussion.
2. Immediate physical symptoms
Physical symptoms often appear in the first hours following impact, but may also worsen within 24 to 48 hours.
a. Intense headaches
This is the most common sign. The pain can be diffuse or localized, pulsating or constant. It often worsens during exertion, exposure to light or prolonged concentration.
b. Dizziness and balance problems
Many patients describe a sensation of vertigo, as if “the room is spinning.” This is explained by a disruption of connections between the brain and the vestibular system (inner ear).
c. Nausea and vomiting
These occur due to irritation of the brainstem or disruption of sensory signals.
d. Blurred or double vision
A concussion can temporarily alter oculomotor coordination, causing blurred vision, difficulty reading or focusing on an object.
e. Sensitivity to light and noise
Photophobia (light intolerance) and phonophobia (noise intolerance) are common, as the brain becomes hypersensitive to sensory stimuli.
3. Cognitive symptoms: when thinking slows down
A concussion does not only affect the body, but also mental and cognitive abilities. These symptoms are often more subtle, but just as important to recognize.
a. Difficulty concentrating
The brain struggles to filter and process information. Looking at a screen, reading or following a conversation becomes exhausting.
b. Memory problems
The patient may forget what happened before or after the impact. Sometimes, they no longer remember a few minutes or hours of the event (post-traumatic amnesia).
c. Mental slowing
Simple intellectual tasks take longer. This is described as a feeling of “brain fog,” where thoughts seem confused or slowed.
d. Decreased alertness
The person may seem distracted, elsewhere, with difficulties following the thread of a discussion.
4. Emotional and behavioural symptoms
The brain also manages emotions. When it is disrupted, mood changes can appear, sometimes without the person being aware of them.
a. Irritability and impulsivity
The patient becomes more irritable or reacts excessively to mundane situations.
b. Sadness, anxiety or increased stress
Emotions can be amplified: persistent anxiety, frequent crying or feelings of dejection.
c. Personality changes
Some people feel “different,” more withdrawn or less motivated than before.
d. Emotional fatigue
Regulating emotions requires energy, and the concussed brain tires more quickly. This can lead to great psychological weariness.
5. Sleep symptoms
Sleep is often disrupted after a concussion:
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Frequent awakenings.
- Excessive daytime drowsiness.
- Intense dreams or nightmares.
These disorders directly influence recovery, as sleep is essential for neuronal repair.
6. Late symptoms (days or weeks after)
Some symptoms only appear later, sometimes up to two weeks after the impact. This is called post-concussion syndrome. These signs can include:
- Chronic fatigue.
- Persistent concentration difficulties.
- Neck pain or muscle tension.
- Increased sensitivity to screens.
- Intolerance to physical or cognitive effort.
It is therefore crucial to monitor the progression of symptoms and consult a professional if they persist beyond a few days.
7. When to consult a professional?
A concussion requires rapid medical assessment, even if symptoms seem minor. You should go to the emergency room immediately if you observe:
- Prolonged loss of consciousness.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
- Seizures.
- Persistent double vision.
- Headaches that worsen.
Follow-up by a neuropsychologist or cognitive rehabilitation specialist is often recommended to assess the extent of cognitive and emotional effects.
8. Progression of symptoms according to age and context
In children
Symptoms can be more difficult to identify. A concussed child often becomes irritable, apathetic or cries more than usual. Sleep and appetite problems are also warning signals.
In active adults
Cognitive and visual problems can impair work performance, especially in occupations requiring concentration or precision.
In the elderly
Recovery is often slower, as the ageing brain functions less efficiently. Moreover, the risks of neurological complications are higher.
9. How are symptoms assessed?
Health professionals use various tools to assess the patient’s cognitive and physical state:
- Neurological tests (coordination, balance, reflexes).
- Neuropsychological assessments (attention, memory, processing speed).
- Symptom questionnaires (e.g., SCAT5, Post-Concussion Symptom Scale).
- Instrumental tools: in some cases, a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) or advanced visual tests can measure functional brain alterations.
This comprehensive approach helps determine the severity of the concussion and plan appropriate rehabilitation.
10. Neurodezign: innovation in the service of the brain
Neurodezign: understanding and restoring brain functions
Located in Quebec, Neurodezign is a clinic specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation. It is distinguished by a comprehensive approach combining assessment, remediation and optimization of brain performance. Its team works with children, adolescents and adults presenting cognitive, motor or emotional disorders, particularly following a concussion.
A traditional and cutting-edge approach
Neurodezign combines conventional tools such as neuropsychological assessment with modern techniques such as:
- Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG): which measures the brain’s electrical activity and detects areas disturbed after an impact.
- Neurofeedback and biofeedback: brain rehabilitation approaches that teach patients to regulate their cognitive and emotional functions through real-time feedback of their brain activity.
Expertise in the service of recovery
Through this personalized approach, Neurodezign helps the brain regain functional balance. Patients benefit from customized support aimed at:
- Reducing persistent symptoms (fatigue, attention problems, anxiety).
- Improving concentration, memory and emotional regulation.
- Promoting a healthy return to daily, academic or professional activities.
Neurodezign thus offers a bridge between science and rehabilitation, giving each individual the full potential of their brain capacities.
Conclusion: knowing how to recognize to heal better
The symptoms of a concussion can be physical, cognitive, emotional or sensory, and their intensity varies from person to person. What seems to be a simple headache or passing fatigue may actually reflect a temporary neurological imbalance. Quickly recognizing the signs, consulting a professional and following an appropriate rehabilitation program are the keys to complete recovery. With the support of specialists like those at Neurodezign, recovery is not limited to the disappearance of symptoms, but aims to restore full brain performance: an essential step to regain concentration, emotional balance and quality of life.
