Symptoms of Concussion, HIT+ & Recovery
From recognising a head impact in real time to understanding what comes after — a complete guide to concussion symptoms, treatment and recovery.
Only 10% of concussions result from loss of consciousness. All impacts — even the smallest — with no way to track them, increase the risk of undiagnosed, unmonitored head injuries that lead to long-term side effects.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused when the brain is shaken or jolted — most commonly from a blow to the head, but also from a jolt to the body. Effects vary from person to person and symptoms are not always immediate.
"There is a greater understanding amongst the medical community that brain injuries are caused by impacts to the head, but they also recognise there is no current solution to track frequency and magnitude of these impacts."
Professor Angus HunterConcussion can happen at any age, at any level, and in any sport. Here are the key symptoms to recognise:
Ranges from mild ache to severe, throbbing pain — the most common sign.
Feeling unsteady on your feet or unable to focus your eyes.
Can follow a concussion and persist for several hours.
Difficulty remembering recent events or periods of time.
Disorientation, inability to think clearly or concentrate.
Discomfort in bright environments or noisy spaces.
Persistent tiredness or low energy that doesn't resolve with rest.
Irritability, anxiety, depression, or unusual emotional responses.
Symptoms may not appear immediately. A delayed concussion can develop days or even weeks after the initial impact — which is why ongoing monitoring matters as much as the initial assessment.
Most people recover fully, but some experience post-concussion syndrome — where symptoms persist for months or years. Rotational force in particular can cause a shearing effect on the brain that may be more damaging than a direct blunt impact, and current research in this area is still developing.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Management is case-by-case, and return to sport should follow a gradual, protocol-driven progression.
"Concussion is a brain injury that requires prompt recognition and appropriate management. The first step is to recognise the signs and symptoms — ranging from mild to severe."
Dr. Andrew Russman — Neurologist, Cleveland Clinic- Been knocked out or has problems remembering the incident
- Vomited since the injury
- A headache that does not respond to painkillers
- A change in behaviour — irritability, withdrawal, or unusual mood
- Clear fluid from their eyes or nose
- Fallen from height or been in a high-speed collision
- Had a previous concussion or head injury recently
As per NHS concussion guidelines, if managing at home:
- Apply an ice pack to the area regularly for the first few days to reduce swelling
- Rest and avoid stress — you do not need to stay awake if tired
- Take paracetamol for headaches as needed
- Use a HIT device to get a data-driven picture of the force sustained
- Do not return to work or school until feeling better
- Do not drive until fully recovered
- Do not get back on your bike
- Do not play contact sports for at least 3 weeks — follow governing body return-to-play protocols
- Do not take sleeping pills, alcohol, or recreational drugs during recovery
Alongside medical advice, some athletes have found benefit in neurofeedback, red light therapy, and creatine supplementation — though evidence for each varies and more research is ongoing. Alternative therapies including acupuncture, yoga, and meditation have also been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Lion's mane mushrooms, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, have attracted recent interest for potential cognitive and neurological benefits — though current evidence remains limited to small studies.
None of these replace professional medical assessment. If in doubt: Recognise the impact. Remove from activity. Get assessed.
