Around 50% of Americans who’ve previously received a concussion haven’t reported their last possible concussion, even though a bump, jolt, or blow to the head can change how your brain works for a while.
People often shrug it off because there’s no visible injury, but a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have significant effects on brain function. At Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, we specialize in neurological conditions such as concussions. Here’s our breakdown of what a concussion is and how best to manage it.
When your head gets hit or snaps back and forth, the brain can move and twist. That sudden motion can stretch brain cells and upset normal brain signals.
You might feel fine after a few minutes, only for symptoms to show up later that day or even the next. This delay can trick you into thinking you’re in the clear, so watch for:
Most concussions improve with time, but some signs need immediate medical attention. Get urgent help if you notice:
You can get a concussion from a fall, a sports hit, a car crash, or even a hard hit to the body that makes your head whip around. You don’t need to black out for a concussion to count.
If someone takes blood thinners, has a bleeding disorder, or suffered a high-speed injury, take symptoms seriously and get a fast evaluation.
Start with safety: stop the activity right away and don’t try to push through. If you play a sport, don’t return to play the same day. That choice matters because a second hit before the brain recovers can lead to longer-lasting symptoms and dangerous swelling.
If symptoms start, keep things simple:
Resting your brain is vital for concussion recovery, so even if you feel fine, take it easy.
Our board-certified neurologist, Dr. Wogensen, begins by asking how the injury happened, what symptoms you’ve noticed, and how you’ve felt since. He then checks your:
He also asks about past concussions and problems such as migraine attacks, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and sleep issues because they may affect recovery.
Imaging can help when doctors suspect bleeding, a skull fracture, or another serious issue. However, most concussions don’t show up on standard scans because they involve how the brain functions, not a big structural injury. That doesn’t mean nothing happened; it means we treat what we see in your symptoms and exam.
Concussion care focuses on brain recovery and symptom control:
For the first 24–48 hours, take it easy. After that, start with light activities, like short walks, that don’t worsen symptoms. Slowly build up, but if symptoms spike, pull back and try again later.
You may need temporary supports, like shorter days, extra time for tests, fewer screens, breaks in a quiet space, or reduced workload, to keep you learning or working without triggering a setback.
Phones, games, and loud environments can worsen symptoms early on. You don’t have to quit forever, but you should limit them and increase time slowly.
We offer safe options for headaches, nausea, sleep issues, and dizziness. For example, vestibular (balance) or vision therapy helps when dizziness or tracking problems linger.
Anxiety and depression can show up after a concussion. Support, counseling, and good sleep habits can make a big difference.
Many people improve in 7–14 days, but recovery can take longer, especially for teens, athletes, and anyone with prior concussions.
If symptoms last beyond a few weeks, you may have post-concussion syndrome, which affects up to 25% of concussion patients. That’s when a specialist-guided plan can really help you move forward.
If you experience a concussion, call Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, or book an appointment online for expert care.
