Spotting Concussions: Do I Have a Brain Injury?

Getting hit in the head can be scary, and such an injury often requires medical attention. If you live in Hampton Roads, you can count on The Therapy Network to address your concussion symptoms promptly. But first, you must know the signs of brain trauma. This awareness is especially important if you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone recovering from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or balance-related issue. Sometimes, a concussion is obvious. However, other times, symptoms will appear well after the initial blow and without warning. Read further for a better understanding of concussion symptoms, what to look for, and when you should seek help.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It happens when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head causes the brain to move quickly back and forth inside your skull. This rapid movement can cause chemical changes and sometimes stretch or damage brain cells.

But why does this matter? Even slight jostling of your brain can temporarily affect the way you think, remember, or balance. While concussions are sometimes called “mild,” you should always take them seriously. It’s important to note you don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Common concussion causes include:

• Sports collisions, especially in football, hockey, soccer, and basketball
• Car and bike accidents
• Slips and falls
• Getting hit by an object

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms will vary from person to person. Symptoms may appear immediately, but sometimes, they occur hours after the initial injury. In general, symptoms of a concussion fall into two categories.

Mild Concussion Symptoms

Mild concussion symptoms can be tricky to spot, but they’re important signs that your brain is not working at 100%. They include:

• Headaches or head pressure
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea
• Blurry or double vision
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion or trouble focusing
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Ringing in your ears

Bad Concussion Symptoms

Some concussion symptoms may indicate a more serious injury and require prompt medical attention. If you see any of the following, seek help from your doctor right away:

• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Unequal pupil size
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Clear or bloody fluid leaking from the nose or ears
• Seizures or convulsions
• Losing consciousness
• Trouble awakening or staying awake
• Extreme confusion or agitation

How to Tell If You Have a Concussion

If you suspect someone has suffered a brain injury, it’s essential to know how to check for a concussion. Start by asking the injured person simple questions like where they are, what day it is, and if they remember what happened. Check for both physical and mental changes. Do they look dazed? Are they unsteady on their feet? Are they complaining of a bad headache? If their answers don’t make sense or if they show any of the mild or bad concussion symptoms listed above, call a medical professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention vs. Physical Therapy

Knowing who to see—and when—is essential after a head injury:

• See a doctor immediately if you notice any severe symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Medical doctors can rule out serious complications and determine if imaging is needed.
• See a physical therapist after a diagnosis has been made or if symptoms like balance issues, dizziness, neck pain, or mental fog persist. Physical therapy can address these lingering symptoms and help with a safe return to work, school, or sports.

At The Therapy Network, we work closely with your physician to create a seamless and effective concussion recovery plan.

How Physical Therapy Supports Concussion Recovery

Most concussions don’t require surgery or long hospital stays. But symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and poor coordination can linger. That’s where physical therapy comes in.

At The Therapy Network, your therapist is not only here to guide your recovery—but also to answer your questions about the injury, what to expect, and how to manage symptoms safely. Education is a core part of your care.

Our concussion therapy services may include:

• Education on symptom management, rest strategies, and safe progression
• Vestibular rehabilitation to restore balance and reduce dizziness
• Manual therapy and mobility work for neck pain or stiffness caused by the injury
• Visual tracking exercises to improve focus and reduce visual fatigue
• Cognitive pacing and return-to-activity planning tailored to your lifestyle

What to Expect from Concussion Physical Therapy at TTN

Your visit with a concussion care specialist will begin with a comprehensive evaluation. Your PT will assess symptoms such as:

• Balance and coordination
• Neck range of motion and pain
• Eye movement and focus
• Cognitive function and symptom triggers

From there, you’ll receive a personalized plan designed to support both physical and mental recovery. Whether you’re an athlete eager to return to the field or a student needing to manage screen time and fatigue, your PT will guide you each step of the way.

Tips for a Safe, Speedy Recovery

Recovery time varies, but most people start feeling better within 1–2 weeks if they follow professional advice. Top tips for healing include:

• Listen to your doctor and PT, and report any new or returning symptoms
• Avoid rushing back into physical activities
• Use a gradual return-to-learn and return-to-play plan
• Request reasonable work accommodations/modifying work load
• Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and avoid overstimulation
• Keep a daily symptom log

Contact The Therapy Network for Concussion Care Today

If you or someone you care about in the Hampton Roads area has suffered a head injury or is experiencing concussion symptoms, don’t risk things getting worse by delaying professional care. The Therapy Network offers specialized concussion evaluations, therapy, and recovery plans tailored for athletes, students, coaches, and parents. Our team of experts will safely guide you through every step of recovery, ensuring you get back to your best self as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and get the care you need to protect your brain and future.