# 5 Misconceptions About Concussions Debunking common myths about concussions including rest requirements, loss of consciousness, head impact necessity, and return to activity guidelines. September 6, 2024 | 4 min read | [Susannah Reid](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) , Registered Physiotherapist Concussion Brain Health Rehabilitation ## Key Takeaways - You do not need to lose consciousness or hit your head directly to have a concussion - Prolonged rest beyond the initial phase can actually hinder recovery - Symptoms disappearing does not mean the brain has fully recovered - follow a structured return plan Concussions are one of the most misunderstood injuries. Despite growing awareness, many myths persist that can actually hinder recovery or lead to improper care. Let’s debunk five common misconceptions about concussions. ## 1\. Rest is the Best Treatment **The Myth:** Complete rest in a dark room until all symptoms resolve is the gold standard for concussion recovery. **The Reality:** While a brief period of rest (24-48 hours) following a concussion is recommended, prolonged rest can actually be counterproductive. Research now shows that early, gradual return to light activity promotes faster recovery. Extended bed rest can lead to: - Physical deconditioning - Increased sensitivity to stimuli - Mood disturbances like anxiety and depression - Prolonged recovery times The current evidence-based approach involves: - Initial rest period of 24-48 hours - Gradual reintroduction of cognitive and physical activities - Symptom-limited activity (doing activities up to the point where symptoms mildly increase) - Individualized rehabilitation programs targeting specific deficits ## 2\. You Must Lose Consciousness to Have a Concussion **The Myth:** If you didn’t “black out” or lose consciousness, you couldn’t have sustained a concussion. **The Reality:** Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of all concussions. The vast majority of people who sustain a concussion remain conscious throughout the injury. Concussion symptoms can include: - [Headache](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/headaches-migraines) - [Dizziness](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/dizziness-vertigo) or balance problems - Confusion or feeling “foggy” - Memory problems - Sensitivity to light or noise - Nausea - Fatigue - Sleep disturbances - Mood changes If you experience any of these symptoms following a blow to the head or body, you may have a concussion regardless of whether you lost consciousness. ## 3\. Your Head Needs to Be Hit Directly **The Myth:** A concussion can only occur if something directly strikes your head. **The Reality:** A concussion results from the brain moving rapidly within the skull. This can happen without any direct contact to the head. Common non-head-contact scenarios that can cause concussions: - Whiplash injuries from car accidents (which can also cause [neck pain](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/neck-pain)) - Falls where the body hits the ground but the head doesn’t - Sudden deceleration or acceleration forces - Blows to the body that transmit force to the head - Blast injuries Any force that causes the head to move rapidly can result in the brain shifting within the skull, potentially causing a concussion. ## 4\. Understanding Coup-Contrecoup Injuries **The Myth:** Brain injury only occurs at the point of impact. **The Reality:** When the head experiences a force, the brain can be injured at multiple locations through what’s called a coup-contrecoup mechanism. Here’s how it works: - **Coup injury:** Occurs directly beneath the point of impact, where the brain strikes the inside of the skull - **Contrecoup injury:** Occurs on the opposite side of the brain, as the brain rebounds and hits the opposite side of the skull This explains why: - Symptoms may not correlate with the location of impact - Injuries can be more widespread than expected - Comprehensive assessment is essential - Different symptoms can arise from different areas of brain involvement Understanding this mechanism helps explain why two people with seemingly similar injuries can present with very different symptoms. ## 5\. You Can Resume Normal Activities When Symptoms Subside **The Myth:** Once you feel better and your symptoms have resolved, you’re fully recovered and can return to all activities. **The Reality:** The absence of symptoms at rest does not mean the brain has fully healed. Returning to activities too quickly can: - Trigger symptom recurrence - Prolong overall recovery - Increase the risk of second impact syndrome (a rare but serious condition) - Lead to persistent post-concussion symptoms A structured return-to-activity protocol is essential: ### Return to Learn/Work 1. Symptom-limited activity at home 2. Gradual reintroduction of cognitive tasks 3. Part-time return with accommodations 4. Full return with accommodations 5. Full return without accommodations ### Return to Sport 1. Symptom-limited activity 2. Light aerobic exercise 3. Sport-specific exercise 4. Non-contact training drills 5. Full contact practice (medical clearance required) 6. Return to competition Each stage should be at least 24 hours, and progression only occurs if symptoms don’t worsen. If symptoms return, step back to the previous stage. ## The Bottom Line Concussion management has evolved significantly in recent years. The best approach involves: - Proper initial assessment and diagnosis - Brief initial rest followed by gradual return to activity - Individualized rehabilitation targeting specific deficits - Structured return-to-activity protocols - Medical clearance before returning to contact sports If you’ve sustained a concussion or are experiencing ongoing symptoms, working with a healthcare provider trained in concussion management can help ensure optimal recovery. * * * _Concerned about a potential concussion or struggling with recovery? [Contact us](https://ateasephysio.ca/contact) to schedule an assessment with our concussion rehabilitation team._ ## About the Author ### [Susannah Reid](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist Visceral Manipulation Concussion Recovery Pelvic Health CranioSacral Therapy > "Treating only the top layer of the issue will result in it resurfacing sooner or later. Assessing and treating these deeper systems of our bodies gives better, longer-lasting results." [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) · [View all posts](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/author/susannah-reid) ## Dealing With Something Similar? Our physiotherapists treat these concerns every day. Book an assessment and get a plan tailored to your body. [Book an appointment](https://ateasephysio.janeapp.com/) [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323) ## Related Conditions Learn more about symptoms and treatment options connected to this topic. [Concussion Treatment & Recovery Specialized concussion and post-concussion syndrome treatment in South Surrey. Evidence-based physiotherapy for a safe return to school, work, and sport.](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/concussion) [Headaches & Migraines Treatment Physiotherapy treatment for chronic headaches and migraines in South Surrey. Relief from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine symptoms.](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/headaches-migraines) [Dizziness & Vertigo Treatment Specialized vestibular physiotherapy for dizziness and vertigo in South Surrey. Effective treatment for BPPV, vestibular disorders, and balance problems.](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/dizziness-vertigo) [Neck Pain Treatment Comprehensive physiotherapy treatment for neck pain in South Surrey. Specialized care for cervical pain, stiffness, and headaches.](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/neck-pain) ## Related Articles [Mar 16, 2024 6 min Dural Layers Explained: A Hidden Cause of Headaches, Vertigo & Neck Pain Education Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/dural-layers-central-nervous-system) [Jan 6, 2024 4 min Understanding Vestibular Physiotherapy Treatment Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/understanding-vestibular-physiotherapy) [Nov 1, 2024 5 min A Nervous System Approach to Better Movement Treatment Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/nervous-system-approach-better-movement) [Previous A Nervous System Approach to Better Movement](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/nervous-system-approach-better-movement) [All Posts](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog) [Next Welcome to Our New South Surrey Location](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/welcome-south-surrey-location)