What is a concussion — and what actually happens in the brain?
Concussions are often misunderstood.
Some think you need to be knocked out or hit your head hard for it to count. Others believe complete rest is the only solution.
In reality, a concussion is a complex brain injury — and understanding it is the first step in recovering safely.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It usually happens when the brain is shaken inside the skull — after a hit, fall, or sudden movement like whiplash.
The injury disrupts how brain cells work and how the brain uses energy.
A concussion usually does not show up on a scan, but your brain has still been affected. That’s why symptoms can be very real — and recovery should be taken seriously.
Common causes of concussion
- Falls (especially in children and older adults)
- Sports injuries (both contact and non-contact)
- Car or bike accidents
- Sudden jolts or whiplash
- Accidental hits to the head
You don’t need to hit your head directly — a strong shake is enough.
What happens inside the brain?
When the brain gets shaken, it goes into a kind of “emergency mode”:
- It uses extra energy to restore balance
- Blood flow and communication between brain cells are temporarily disrupted
These changes make it harder for the brain to handle everyday input and tasks — like thinking clearly or staying focused. That’s why even something as simple as looking at your phone can feel overwhelming until things settle again.
What symptoms can you experience?
Symptoms vary, but often include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or nausea
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Feeling foggy or slowed down
- Anxiety, sadness, or irritability
- Sleep problems
Most people experience a mix of physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
How long does recovery take?
Many people recover in 2–4 weeks.
But for some, symptoms last longer.
That’s why early support and a structured plan can make a big difference.
You don’t need to “tough it out” or figure it all out alone.
When should I start my recovery?
It’s a common myth that you should stay in total rest for one or two weeks after a concussion.
In reality, research shows that staying completely inactive for too long can actually slow recovery.
You should take it easy for the first 1–2 days — doing light, low-stimulation activities.
After that, it’s important to begin light mental and physical activity again. Take regular breaks where you cut yourself of from strong simuli, you can meditate or listen to gentle music.
The key is to gradually increase difficulty and find a balance between activity and rest that does not increase your symptoms significantly.
How Heads can help
Heads is built to support you — step by step:
- Track your symptoms and see patterns
- Follow a plan tailored to your needs
- Learn how to balance rest, activity and stress
- Share audio guides with people around you
It’s not about doing everything — it’s about doing what helps, in the right order.
Final thought
A concussion is a real injury — even if it’s invisible to others.
With the right tools, support and structure, recovery is possible.
You’re not alone.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What Is a Concussion?
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_whatis.html - Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2014)
The new neurometabolic cascade of concussion
Neurosurgery, 75(suppl_4), S24–S33.
DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0000000000000505
→ Supports the description of brain energy disruption and cellular effects - McCrory et al. (2017)
Consensus statement on concussion in sport — the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin, October 2016
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/838
→ Provides foundation for recovery timelines, activity recommendations, and symptom list - Lumba-Brown et al. (2018)
CDC Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children
JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), e182853
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.2853
→ Supports the recommendation for early gradual activity vs. prolonged rest - Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (2018)
Guideline for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion
https://pedsconcussion.com
→ Reinforces that concussion symptoms are real even if imaging is normal, and outlines return-to-activity guidelines - Thomas et al. (2015)
Benefits of strict rest after acute concussion: a randomized controlled trial
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 25(3), 241–247
DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000137
→ Directly supports the claim that prolonged strict rest may delay recovery
