Concussion and post-concussion syndrome

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt or blow that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. Most people recover. Some do not recover on the expected timeline, and their symptoms become a condition of their own.

It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not medical advice.

Symptoms

Concussion symptoms fall into groups: physical (headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sound), cognitive (feeling foggy, slowed thinking, trouble concentrating and remembering), emotional (irritability, anxiety, sadness), and sleep (sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep). Symptoms can start right away or hours later.

Usual recovery

Most concussions improve over days to a few weeks with relative rest followed by a gradual, guided return to activity. Early evaluation matters, both for care and for the record. A second impact before the first concussion has healed can be dangerous, which is why return-to-work and return-to-sport decisions are made by a clinician.

Post-concussion syndrome

When symptoms persist past the expected window — commonly said to be about a month, though there is no bright line — the diagnosis is post-concussion syndrome. It can involve daily headaches, ongoing dizziness, difficulty with focus and memory that affects work, and mood changes. Treatment is targeted at the specific symptoms: vestibular therapy for dizziness, vision therapy, headache management, cognitive rehabilitation, and mental health support.

Why "the scans were clear" is not the end of it

CT and MRI are done after a head injury to rule out bleeding and structural damage, and they are expected to be normal in a concussion. A normal scan means there is no emergency, not that there is no injury. Insurers nonetheless lead with normal imaging, a short or absent loss of consciousness, and the suggestion that persistent symptoms are really stress or a pre-existing problem.

What documents the injury

• The first medical contact — urgent care, ER, or a same-week doctor visit — noting the mechanism and symptoms.
• Consistent follow-up with a primary doctor and, when symptoms persist, a concussion clinic, neurologist, or physiatrist.
• A symptom diary showing what is affected day to day.
• Work records — missed days, reduced duties, accommodations.
• Neuropsychological testing if cognitive problems continue.
• Short statements from people who see the person regularly.

Which accidents cause concussions

Any impact or whipping motion of the head: car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip and trip falls.

Common questions

Is a concussion a brain injury?

Yes. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. The word "mild" refers to how it presented at first, not to how serious the effects can be or how long they last.

Do I need to have been knocked out to have a concussion?

No. Most concussions happen without any loss of consciousness. Feeling dazed, confused, or "not right" after a head impact, or not remembering part of the event, is enough to raise it.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

When concussion symptoms — headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, mood changes, fatigue — continue for weeks or months past the expected recovery, doctors call it post-concussion syndrome. It is a recognized condition.

My scans were clear. Does that hurt my claim?

It is the defense's favorite argument, and it is not medically sound. Standard imaging is expected to be normal after a concussion. The claim is built from the clinical record, consistent treatment, and documented effects on function.