Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur after a direct blow to the head or a jolt to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. While it is often described as a minor injury, the effects of concussion can be anything but minor — especially if symptoms persist over time.
At the North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we frequently see people experiencing the ongoing impact of concussion long after the initial injury. Understanding what concussion is, how it presents and why early assessment matters is the first step toward better outcomes.
Concussion Is Complex
Despite being labelled as a mild traumatic brain injury, concussion should be treated as a serious injury as it disrupts normal brain function. It affects how the brain processes information, responds to stimuli and regulates key functions such as balance, concentration and sleep.
Some people recover quickly. Others may take weeks or even months to return to normal. In certain cases, symptoms may only appear days after the injury. This variability is part of what makes concussion so challenging to diagnose and manage without professional support.
Symptoms can be obvious, subtle, or delayed…..
Common symptoms of concussion include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Brain fog or slowed thinking
- Irritability or mood changes
- Neck pain or jaw tightness
Some people may not associate these symptoms with their head injury, particularly if they did not lose consciousness. However, most concussions actually occur without a loss of consciousness and as the obvious symptoms usually resolve within 10 days, people may assume they have recovered. This can be a problem, as research shows that the brain takes a significantly longer time to fully heal due to autonomic imbalance that results in blood flow impairments. Additionally, visual and vestibular function may still be impaired when tested clinically which can be of significant impact if a player is returning to contact sport before they are ready.
The Importance of Early Assessment
Current clinical guidelines recommend concussion assessment within 72 hours of the injury. This is particularly important for athletes, students and workers who are expected to return to performance-based tasks.
A thorough assessment by a qualified practitioner allows for:
- Identification of functional deficits
- Monitoring of symptom progression
- Development of an appropriate recovery plan
- Reduction in long-term risk
No two concussions are the same. At our Ballina clinic, we are trained to perform an expert assessment of the brain following a concussion to ascertain the overall impact of the concussion and how best to support recovery.
How Osteopathy May Be Able to Help
Osteopathic care may be able to support people recovering from concussion through a combination of manual treatment, education and guided rehabilitation. Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:
- Cervical spine treatment to address any neck injury, particularly when headache or dizziness is present
- Lymphatic drainage techniques to support reduction of neurogenic inflammation
- Vestibular and visual retraining exercises to improve balance and coordination
- Progressive exercises to improve head and neck strength, reduce joint stiffness, improve pain and gradually return to normal activities.
We also provide guidance around nutrition, sleep, stress management and pacing to help reduce setbacks and support long-term progress.
Who This May Be Helpful For
You do not need to have lost consciousness or had a visible injury to benefit from concussion support. This type of care may be appropriate for people who are:
- Dealing with lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog or light sensitivity
- Finding it hard to return to work, study or exercise after a head knock
- Experiencing new or worsening neck pain or jaw tension since the injury
- Struggling with balance, coordination or visual focus
- Unsure whether their current symptoms are connected to a past head injury
If you are managing symptoms like headaches, neck pain or dizziness, they may be related to a previous concussion, even if the injury occurred weeks or months ago. A thorough assessment can help determine the best way forward.
We Are Here to Support You
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we are committed to supporting better concussion awareness and care in the Northern Rivers. Whether you are recovering from a recent injury or still experiencing symptoms long after the event, we take the time to understand what is going on and tailor a plan that suits your needs.
We are also passionate about giving back to the local community. If you are involved with a sporting club, gym or youth group and would like to arrange an education session around head injuries, please reach out. These sessions are offered free of charge and aim to improve outcomes across the region.
If you are ready to take the next step, get in touch to book an initial consultation or ask us any questions about our approach to concussion care.