Concussions are among the most poorly understood injuries. A lot of myths persist about how concussions occur, how they should be treated, and whether recovery may take days or weeks. These myths can delay appropriate care and symptom recovery. 

At Grandview Physiotherapy, we see education as vital to optimizing concussion care. Let’s debunk a few common myths and put in place evidence-based truths.

Myth 1: You Have to Lose Consciousness to Have a Concussion

Fact: The majority of concussions are not associated with loss of consciousness. A concussion occurs when the brain moves suddenly within the skull, such as can occur after a jarring fall, head-on collision, or whiplash. Then, hours or sometimes days later, you might have a headache, feel dizzy or sick to your stomach, or feel foggy-brained or sensitive to light.   

Myth 2: Complete Rest Until Symptoms Are Gone Is the Best Treatment

Fact: However, we now know that while rest in the acute phase (24–48 hours) is crucial, extended periods of physical and cognitive rest can slow recovery. Current guidelines regarding the management of a concussion advise a step-wise, symptom-based return to activity. 

We specialize in personalized active rehabilitation and are committed to safely accelerating recovery at Grandview Physiotherapy. 

Myth 3: A Normal Scan Means There’s No Concussion

Fact: CT scans and MRIs frequently appear normal after a concussion. These tests are designed to find structural injuries, such as fractures or bleeding, not the functional changes seen in concussions. Concussion is a clinical diagnosis, not an imaging-based one. 

Myth 4: Concussions Only Happen in Sports

Fact: Although sports-related concussions are prevalent, they also occur in motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and falls or everyday activities. Anyone – regardless of age, whether active or not – can get a concussion. 

Myth 5: Headaches Are the Only Symptom

Fact: Injury to various systems within the body can be sustained with a concussion. Symptoms may include: 

• Dizziness or balance problems
• Blurred vision or eye strain
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Mental/emotional changes, including anxiety or irritability

The management of a concussion goes beyond just addressing headaches. 

Myth 6: You Should Push Through Symptoms to Get Better Faster

Fact: Relaying can be counterproductive to recovery, exacerbating symptom severity and increasing the likelihood of prolonged symptoms. Rehabilitation, if appropriate, should focus on the neuromuscular system without significantly worsening symptoms—a structured, symptom-driven strategy results in better outcomes. 

Myth 7: Kids Recover the Same Way Adults Do

Fact: Among children and adolescents, recovery may take longer, and they merit careful consideration before returning to school or starting sports. Appropriate academic accommodations and return-to-play protocols are required for young athletes. 

How Physiotherapy Helps With Concussion Recovery

At Grandview Physiotherapy, we believe there is more to managing concussions than just getting rest. Our comprehensive approach may include: 

• Vestibular (balance) rehabilitation
• Visual and oculomotor exercises
• Examination and treatment of the neck (cervical spine) 
• Gradual aerobic conditioning
• Education and return-to-work/sport planning

Concussions are all different, and you have to treat the symptoms. 

Final Thoughts

There are myths about concussions that can delay healing and put people at risk of long-term symptoms. To the good, most people do fully recover with the proper care and guidance. 

If you or someone you know has had a concussion and is still experiencing symptoms after a head injury, our expert team at Grandview Physiotherapy can help! We offer evidence-based, personalised concussion management. 

Speak with someone today to schedule an assessment and find your recovery.