What it is
A short, honest summary.
- —A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a knock, jolt, or whiplash to the head.
- —Most people recover within weeks; when symptoms persist, it is called post-concussion syndrome.
- —Lingering symptoms usually come from treatable systems — the balance organ, the visual system, the neck, and exertion tolerance.
What families notice
The signals worth taking seriously.
- 01Headache, pressure in the head, or 'brain fog' that will not lift
- 02Dizziness or unsteadiness, especially with movement or screens
- 03Trouble concentrating, remembering, or tolerating busy places
- 04Neck pain and tension headaches
- 05Symptoms that flare with mental or physical effort
My approach
How the work is structured.
- —Assessment of each contributing system — vestibular, visual, cervical, and exertion.
- —Vestibular and visual rehabilitation for the dizziness and screen intolerance.
- —Neck treatment for the cervical contribution to headache and dizziness.
- —A graded return-to-activity plan — the modern alternative to indefinite rest.
What recovery looks like
A plain-language picture.
“Persistent post-concussion symptoms are common and very treatable. Targeted rehabilitation of the affected systems resolves the picture for most people — often after months of being told to simply wait.”
FAQ
Common questions, answered briefly.
- I was told to rest in a dark room. Why am I not better?
- Brief rest helps in the first days, but prolonged rest then slows recovery. Lingering symptoms need active, graded rehabilitation of the specific systems involved.
- Can an old concussion still be treated?
- Yes. Even months later, the vestibular, visual, and neck problems driving symptoms respond well to targeted work.
For clinicians
Clinical detail, assessment and evidence.
Clinical summary
The picture in clinician register.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury; most resolve within weeks, and persistent post-concussion symptoms typically reflect identifiable, treatable systems — vestibular, oculomotor, cervicogenic and exertion intolerance. Graded sub-symptom-threshold activity, not prolonged rest, is the current standard; each contributing system is assessed and treated directly.
Terminology
Terms worth being precise about.
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Symptoms persisting beyond the expected recovery window.
- Vestibulo-ocular reflex
- The reflex stabilising gaze during head movement; often impaired after concussion.
- Convergence insufficiency
- Difficulty sustaining eye convergence — a common oculomotor deficit.
- Sub-symptom-threshold exertion
- Activity dosed just below the level that provokes symptoms.
Assessment & measures
What the first sessions measure.
- —A symptom inventory.
- —VOMS (Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening); cervical-spine examination.
- —Graded exertion testing (e.g. Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test); balance testing.
Red flags
Signs that need urgent escalation.
- A deteriorating or focal picture after the initial injury — escalate.
- Seizure activity.
- Symptoms inconsistent with a mild injury.
Referral & MDT
When and to whom to refer.
A concussion or neurology service for non-resolving cases. Optometry or vision therapy for oculomotor deficits; psychology where mood or anxiety are prominent.
Evidence
References and guideline anchors.
- Graded return-to-activity after concussion — PLACEHOLDER — verify against current guidelines before launch.