As kids head back to classrooms and sports fields, it’s the perfect time to refresh our understanding of concussions. Concussions are a type of mild brain injury, and while most young athletes recover quickly, the right management in the first days and weeks makes all the difference.

🧠 What a Concussion Can Look Like

Symptoms don’t always show up right away, and they can vary widely. Common ones include:

• Physical: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, sensitivity to light/noise, balance problems

• Cognitive: Trouble concentrating, memory difficulties, feeling slowed down or “foggy”

• Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, mood swings

• Sleep: Trouble falling asleep, drowsiness, or altered sleep patterns

• Other: Vision or hearing changes, neck pain, coordination problems

👉 If in doubt, sit them out. No child should return to play the same day after a suspected concussion.

📚 What the Latest Research Says

For years, strict rest was the main advice. Now research shows:

• Early recognition matters — removing a child from play right away improves recovery.

• Short rest, then gradual activity — a brief 24–48 hours of rest, followed by light activity, helps the brain heal.

• Targeted therapies help — physiotherapy, vision therapy, and sub-symptom cardio.

• Most recover in 2–4 weeks — but about 1 in 4 kids may need extra support.

• School comes first — return to learning should be prioritized over return to sport.

⏳ Most Concussions Heal Within 2–4 Weeks

Recovery can take longer depending on individual factors, but here’s what research shows:

⚡ What Can Delay Recovery?

• Delayed reporting or “playing through it”

• More severe initial symptoms

• Previous concussions

• Female sex, migraines, or mental health history

• Getting the wrong initial advice.

💡 Tip: Early evaluation within 48 hours is linked to faster recovery.

👨‍👩‍👧 How Parents Can Help

• Watch for symptoms in the hours and days after a bump or fall.

• Encourage honesty — kids often hide symptoms to stay in the game.

• Support a stepwise return: school ➡️ light activity ➡️ full sport.

• Seek specialist care if symptoms last more than 4 weeks.

 🎥 Want to learn more in just a few minutes?

✅ Takeaway: Concussion recovery isn’t about doing nothing — it’s about the right activity at the right time, guided by symptoms. With early recognition and support, most kids are back to learning and playing safely within weeks.

As the new school year and sports season begin, let’s keep brain health at the top of the priority list — because protecting young athletes today sets them up for success tomorrow. 🧠⚡

💬 Have questions about concussion management?

I’m always happy to help guide parents, athletes, and coaches. Feel free to reach out if you’d like advice or support.

Have a safe and active September,

Kosta Ikonomou, MSc, BSc(Hons) PT, BSc, IMS, CES, VRT, CSCS

Clinical Specialist Sports Medicine & Concussion

Vestibular Rehabilitation | Dry Needling | Strength & Conditioning