About Concussions
Research has identified that educating patients about concussions may promote recovery and help to reduce symptom burden. Below are a diverse group of resources on all aspects of concussions and related issues.
Contents
Take one minute for concussion patients around the world
This fall, we’re running a short fundraiser for Concussion Alliance. If you or someone you know has found our resources helpful for their recovery, we hope that our work has brought at least $5 worth of improvement to your life this year (that’s less than the national average cost of a latte).
If even one in ten of the over 27,000 people who used our resources last month supported us with the equivalent of a little treat beverage, it would transform what Concussion Alliance is able to provide for the millions of people struggling with concussions and persistent symptoms. We may already be the most comprehensive and in-depth resource for concussion patients in the world, but so many more people need our help, and we need to be able to keep these resources up to date. Please make a gift today to ensure that we’re able to continue providing life-changing resources for concussion patients and their loved ones.
About Concussions
What Happens to Your Brain When You Get a Concussion?
The science and research behind concussions are complicated and evolving. We reveal some of the latest knowledge in a way you can understand.
What Happens to Your Brain: A Deeper Dive
A more in-depth explanation of what happens to your brain when you get a concussion.
LEARN MORE
Information about how a concussion is diagnosed, including when a CT is used, and new concussion diagnostic tools being developed.
Additional concussion resources including organizations, blogs, podcasts, and books.
Personal stories about having a concussion, including an award-winning radio piece about a high school student with persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Symptoms
Concussion “symptoms that persist beyond expected time frames” require multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Formerly known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
A post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a recurring headache attributed to a concussion or traumatic injury to the brain. We discuss the subtypes of PTH and potential treatments.
We provide detailed information about various headache treatments and the pathophysiology of different subtypes of post-traumatic headaches like migraines and tension headaches.
Sleep plays an essential role in concussion recovery. Concussions can result in sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, and hypersomnia.
Cognition refers to comprehension, reading, thinking, planning, remembering, and organizing. Concussions are one of the most common causes of cognitive dysfunction.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Dysfunction
ANS dysfunction can play a role in persistent post-concussion symptoms. Some therapy options for ANS dysfunction are vestibular rehabilitation therapy, biofeedback therapy, and graduated exercise therapy.
A concussion can often result in a greater mental and emotional burden. These emotional and psychological symptoms can have a large impact on concussion patients’ quality of life following a concussion.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can happen after traumatic experiences or concussions. This page covers the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
Social Factors, Stigma, Neurodegeneration
Concussions are often referred to as “an invisible injury.” We explore how the invisibility of concussions and persistent symptoms can adversely affect the recovery process.
When tackling treatment for concussion, it is imperative to aid individuals who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of current care disparities in health care.
History of Concussion as a Public Health Issue
This page provides a historical perspective on social and political factors that have provided challenges to concussion patients.
Researchers continue to examine links between brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Long-Covid has many similarities to concussions and persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPSC). Both long-Covid and concussions involve brain fog, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and more.