Let’s Talk About Concussions: More Than Just a Knock on the Head
We’ve all seen it in movies or on the football field—someone takes a hit, shakes it off, and gets told, “You’re fine, just a knock to the head.” But in reality, a concussion is a lot more serious than it might look on the surface.
Whether it happens during sport, a fall, or even a car accident, a concussion is a type of mild brain injury that needs proper attention and care. Ignoring it—or brushing it off—can lead to longer-term issues that affect your daily life.
So, What Exactly Is a Concussion?
A concussion happens when your brain gets jolted inside your skull—usually from a sudden impact or movement. It’s like your brain gets shaken up, and although there might be no visible damage, things don’t quite work the way they should for a little while.
You don’t have to pass out or lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most people don’t. That’s why it’s easy to miss or underestimate.
What Does It Feel Like?
Everyone’s experience is different, but some common signs to look out for include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Feeling dizzy, off balance, or light-headed
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Confusion or memory blanks
Feeling like you’re in a fog or just “not yourself”
Sleepiness or struggling to focus
Some people also become more emotional than usual, or just feel off. And sometimes symptoms don’t show up straight away—they can appear hours or even a day later.
Why It’s Important Not to Ignore It
Most concussions get better with rest and time, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. If you go back to work, school, or sport too soon, you risk making things worse—or even causing a second injury while your brain is still healing.
For some, especially if they’ve had more than one concussion, symptoms can stick around much longer. This can lead to ongoing issues with memory, focus, mood, or sleep. That’s why it’s so important to take every concussion seriously, no matter how "mild" it seems.
Long Term Consequences of recurrent severe concussions
Concussions can have lasting effects. And while not everyone will experience long-term symptoms, those who do often find it difficult to explain what they’re going through, especially when there’s no visible injury.
Let’s talk about what life can really be like after a concussion—beyond the initial recovery—and why it’s so important to give the brain the time and care it needs to heal properly. For some, concussion symptoms disappear within a week or two. But for others, they can linger for weeks or even months, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome.
Imagine trying to go back to work or school, but your brain just isn’t cooperating. You might struggle to concentrate, forget simple things, or feel mentally exhausted after a short conversation. Some people feel like they’ve lost a bit of themselves—less sharp, more irritable, or emotionally fragile in a way that’s hard to explain.
And the tricky part? From the outside, everything can seem fine. That makes it easy for others to underestimate what you're going through—and for you to start doubting yourself.
Final Thoughts
Concussions are more common than you might think, and they’re nothing to mess around with. Whether it’s your child who’s had a fall, a teammate who took a hit, or you just feel “not quite right” after a bump to the head—it’s always worth checking in with a healthcare professional.
Looking after your brain is one of the smartest things you can do. After all, it’s the only one you’ve got.