A hard fall or collision jars your body, but your head doesn’t strike anything. Hours later, a headache and sensitivity to light begin. Could this still be a concussion?
A concussion can happen without a direct blow to the head when a forceful impact to the body makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. After a medical assessment, the team at Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare offers one-on-one concussion management in Calgary.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. A force to the head or body can make the brain move rapidly inside the skull; a direct blow to the head is not required. Not every jolt causes a concussion.
Symptoms may appear right away or take hours or days to develop. After a fender bender, you may notice a headache, dizziness or fogginess later. Symptoms can have other causes, so a health care provider should assess a possible concussion.
How Can a Concussion Happen Without a Head Hit?
Whiplash From Car Accidents
During a collision or sudden stop, your head and neck can move quickly even if your head doesn’t strike anything. A sufficiently forceful movement can transmit acceleration to the brain.
Neck strain may occur alongside a concussion after a car accident. You might notice a stiff, achy neck when you shoulder-check or turn to reach for your seat belt. Neck pain alone doesn’t confirm a concussion.
Sports & Everyday Falls
A concussion may follow a forceful impact or fall that rapidly moves the head and brain. Examples include:
- A forceful body check or tackle in hockey, rugby or football
- A fall from a bike or down stairs that jolts your head or upper body
- A hard fall onto ice or another surface
What Are the Signs of a Concussion?
Physical Signs
Possible physical symptoms include:
- Headache, neck pain, or dizziness
- Blurry vision or light sensitivity
- Nausea or low energy
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some may appear later.
Thinking, Mood, & Sleep Changes
A concussion may also affect thinking, emotions and sleep. Possible changes include:
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Irritability or feeling anxious
- Changes in sleep patterns
You may notice difficulty with everyday tasks or changes in how you respond to people.
What to Do After a Possible Concussion
If a concussion is possible, stop the activity and seek medical advice, even if you did not hit your head or lose consciousness. If the injury happened during sport, do not return to play that day; follow a clinician-guided return-to-sport plan.
Get urgent help for warning signs
Seek emergency medical care right away for warning signs such as:
- Severe or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizure or loss of consciousness
- Double vision, weakness, numbness or tingling
- Increasing confusion, unusual behaviour or difficulty waking
- Neck pain or tenderness with reduced movement
Call 911 if the person is unconscious or cannot be woken.
How Concussion Care in Calgary Supports Your Recovery
Physiotherapy for Concussion & Neck Pain
At Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare, one-on-one physiotherapy is tailored to your symptoms and goals.
Depending on your assessment, rehabilitation may include neck exercises, balance work or eye-movement exercises. Your physiotherapist can help plan a gradual return to daily activities such as work, driving or exercise.
Chiropractic & Massage Support
When appropriate, chiropractic care, or massage therapy may help with related neck or upper-back muscle discomfort. These services do not replace medical assessment or concussion rehabilitation.
Your care plan should reflect your assessment, symptoms and return-to-activity goals. Your clinicians can coordinate recommendations as appropriate.
Common Questions About Concussion Recovery
How Long Does Concussion Recovery Take?
Recovery varies. Most people recover within 10 days to 4 weeks, though some take longer.
Symptoms can continue beyond that period. If they persist or return, follow up with a health care provider; concussion rehabilitation can be tailored to your symptoms and return-to-activity goals.
When Should You Consider Concussion Rehabilitation?
After medical assessment, a concussion rehabilitation visit may be worth discussing if:
- Symptoms linger after an accident or fall
- Neck pain or headaches affect your daily life
- You want support returning to work or sport
If symptoms worsen or new warning signs appear, use the urgent-care guidance above rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Get One-on-One Concussion Support in NE Calgary
After medical assessment, Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare offers one-on-one concussion management in NE Calgary. Physiotherapy, chiropractic care and massage therapy may also be considered for related symptoms when appropriate.
The clinic is in London Town Square behind Peter Lougheed Hospital, with complimentary parking and about a 10-minute walk from Rundle CTrain Station.
To ask about concussion care or book an initial assessment, call 587-391-4830.
