A concussion can happen in sport, a fall or a car accident. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but following an appropriate recovery plan helps support a safe and gradual return to everyday activities.
Signs of a concussion
Symptoms can show up right away or over the next day or two. Common ones include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Feeling foggy, slowed down or having trouble concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea, fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Feeling more emotional or irritable than usual
Go to the emergency department right away if symptoms get worse, or if there's repeated vomiting, a severe or worsening headache, seizures, weakness, slurred speech or increasing confusion.
Rest a little, then start moving
Complete rest in a dark room is no longer the advice. After a short period of rest, usually a day or two, light activity like walking helps most people recover faster, as long as it doesn't make symptoms much worse.
Back to school or work first
Return to school or work is an important part of concussion recovery and should be prioritized alongside a gradual return to physical activity, with full return to sport occurring after appropriate recovery and medical clearance. That often means shorter days, more breaks and less screen time at first, then building up as symptoms allow.
Back to sport, step by step
Return to sport follows a gradual plan: light aerobic exercise, then sport-specific drills, then non-contact practice, and finally full contact once you're cleared. Progression should follow an individualized return-to-sport protocol, with symptoms monitored throughout.
In Ontario, Rowan's Law requires sport organizations to remove an athlete from play right away if a concussion is suspected. Only a physician or nurse practitioner can clear an athlete to return to competitive sport (Ontario.ca).
How concussion rehab helps
If symptoms linger, a structured rehab plan can help. Our physiotherapists assess your balance, vision, neck and tolerance for exercise, then target what's holding you back. When medical assessment or clearance is required, our team can help guide you toward the appropriate healthcare provider, such as our sports medicine physicians.
Cost and insurance
You can book a concussion assessment without a referral. It's covered by most extended health plans, and we bill many insurers directly.
Concussion care is available at our Niagara Falls, Thorold, Grimsby, Hamilton and Dundas clinics. Call 289-674-4400 to book.