Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt. But understanding the long-term effects of concussions can keep you from reinjuring yourself.
While they are often associated with sports-related incidents, concussions can result from various accidents and situations. The immediate symptoms of a concussion are well-known, such as temporary loss of consciousness. However, understanding their long-term effects is equally crucial.
If you’ve suffered a concussion and may be experiencing lingering effects, make an appointment with your Bon Secours sports medicine specialist for continued treatment or a referral to a neurologist, if necessary.
What happens after a concussion?
All concussions are traumatic brain injuries, but treatment may depend on the type you have. Concussions are graded by severity, which is determined primarily by whether you lose consciousness and how long your symptoms last.
The three types of concussions include:
- Grade 1: Patients do not lose consciousness, and symptoms last for 15 minutes or less.
- Grade 2: Patients do not lose consciousness, but the symptoms last longer than 15 minutes.
- Grade 3: The patient loses consciousness.
Where you seek medical treatment can also depend on the types of symptoms you develop. Mild symptoms – headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and more – may develop in the hours and days after the initial injury. You can often see a sports medicine provider for evaluation, who commonly diagnose and treat concussions.
However, more serious symptoms – loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, severe nausea, seizures and more – should be addressed in an emergency department.
Once your provider evaluates you and diagnoses the type of concussion you have, they’ll determine a customized treatment plan for you. However, you may still experience long-term effects of a concussion once your initial treatment is complete.
What are the long-term effects of concussions?
Although most people recover, concussion symptoms can sometimes last for weeks or months. Symptoms that continue beyond the expected recovery period are commonly called persistent post-concussive symptoms or post-concussion syndrome.
The possible long-term effects of a concussion can include:
- Recurring or persistent headaches
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Slower information processing
- Irritability, anxiety or depression
- Changes in sleep
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurry vision
- Neck pain
- Difficulty completing school, work or everyday tasks
Not everyone experiences ongoing symptoms, and they can differ significantly from one person to another. Also, while some symptoms begin immediately, while others develop hours or days after the injury.
Physical effects
While most people recover fully from a single concussion, repeated concussions or inadequate recovery can lead to the following lingering physical issues.
Physical symptoms are often the most noticeable effects of a concussion. A headache may continue or return during physical activity, screen use, reading or other mentally demanding tasks. Some people also experience dizziness, poor balance, nausea, visual changes or sensitivity to light and sound. These are most common from those who suffer from post-concussive syndrome, or PCS.
Sleep can also change after a concussion. A person may have difficulty falling asleep, sleep more or less than usual, or wake without feeling rested. Ongoing sleep disruption may make fatigue, concentration problems and mood changes feel worse.
Neck pain can occur when the event that caused the concussion also injured muscles or other structures in the neck. Your provider can evaluate whether headaches, dizziness or pain may be related to the concussion, a neck injury or another condition.
Cognitive effects
Concussions can have a profound impact on cognitive function for individuals as well.
- Memory issues: Both short-term and long-term memory can be affected, making it challenging to recall recent events or retain new information. Memory problems can affect academic and work performance, as well as daily tasks.
- Attention and concentration: Concussion patients often struggle with focusing on tasks or maintaining attention for extended periods. This can be particularly challenging in school or work settings where concentration is crucial.
- Processing speed: Cognitive processing speed may decrease, making it harder to process information quickly and efficiently. This can affect an individual’s ability to keep up with conversations, follow instructions or perform tasks that require quick thinking.
- Executive function: Concussions can impact higher-order cognitive skills like planning, decision-making and problem-solving. Individuals may find it more challenging to make decisions, organize tasks or set and achieve goals. As you can imagine, this can have significant implications in both the personal and professional life.
Emotional and behavioral effects
Mood and behavioral changes can occur after a concussion, while some may also feel less interested in activities they previously enjoyed. The emotional toll of concussions should not be underestimated. They include:
- Mood disorders: Concussions can trigger mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability. These emotional changes can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and relationships.
- Emotional regulation: Managing emotions becomes harder for some concussion survivors, potentially leading to emotional outbursts and difficulties in social interactions. These changes can affect an individual’s personal and professional relationships.
- Personality changes: In some cases, concussions can alter an individual’s personality, turning them into someone significantly different from their pre-injury self. Such changes can be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones.
These changes may result from several overlapping factors, including the injury, disrupted sleep, persistent pain and the stress of not being able to participate fully in work, school, sports or social activities.
Emotional symptoms deserve the same attention as physical ones. Tell your sports medicine provider about new or worsening mood symptoms, particularly if they interfere with daily life
Who is more at more risk for long-term effects of concussions?
Repeated head injuries are a concern, especially when a second injury occurs before the brain has recovered from the first. A history of prior concussions may also be associated with a longer recovery after another injury.
Certain factors can influence the likelihood and severity of long-term effects, such as:
- Repetitive injuries: Multiple concussions increase the risk of long-term issues, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. Athletes in a contact sport are at a higher risk of sustaining multiple concussions, highlighting the need for strict safety measures and concussion protocols.
- Age: Age plays a role in the severity of concussion symptoms and recovery. Children, teenagers and older adults tend to experience more severe and prolonged symptoms than young adults.
- Recovery time: Adequate rest and recovery after a concussion are crucial in allowing the brain to heal properly. Rushing back to physical or mental activities too soon can extend the healing process and increase the chances of lasting effects.
- Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with a history of mental health issues or prior head injuries may be more susceptible to long-term effects.
A higher risk of long-term effects of concussions are why an athlete with a suspected concussion should stop playing immediately and should not return to the game on the same day. Return to sports should happen gradually and only after evaluation and clearance from a qualified health care provider.
Children and teens need particular attention because their brains are still developing and they may have difficulty recognizing or explaining symptoms. Older adults should also be evaluated carefully after a fall or other head injury. Concussion symptoms may overlap with other health conditions, and blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain following a traumatic brain injury.
How can I prevent the long-term effects of concussions?
Taking proactive measures can help reduce the risk of long-term effects of concussions in the first place.
- Proper diagnosis: Seek medical care if a concussion is suspected, even if the person never lost consciousness. A provider can assess symptoms, identify signs of a more serious injury and give individualized recovery instructions. Early and accurate diagnosis of concussions is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.
- Rest and recovery: Adequate rest, both physically and mentally, is vital in allowing the brain to heal properly.
- Gradual return to activities: Individuals should follow a supervised and gradual return-to-play or return-to-work protocol to avoid re-injury.
- Wearing protective equipment: In sports and high-risk activities, wearing appropriate protective gear can significantly lower the risk of concussions.
The long-term effects of concussions should not be taken lightly.
When should you seek emergency care after a head injury?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a person develops danger signs such as:
- A headache that gets worse
- Repeated vomiting
- A seizure
- Increasing confusion, agitation or unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
- Weakness, numbness or poor coordination
- One pupil that appears larger than the other
- Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
- Difficulty waking up
- Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
Emergency symptoms can develop after the initial injury, so continue monitoring the person as directed by your provider.
How we can help
The long-term effects of concussions can affect your body, thinking, mood, sleep and ability to participate in everyday life. Early evaluation and appropriate follow-up can help identify complications and create a recovery plan based on your symptoms and goals.
Make an appointment with a sports medicine provider if you or your child has concussion symptoms or is having difficulty recovering after a head injury. Treatment can include concussion management, diagnostics and rehabilitation based on each patient’s needs
Learn more about concussions and the sports medicine services we provide at Bon Secours.
