Post-Concussion Presentations
Physiotherapy Support for Ongoing Concussion-Related Symptoms
Some people continue to notice symptoms after the initial phase of a concussion. These ongoing symptoms are commonly referred to as post-concussion presentations or post-concussion syndrome. These presentations can involve a combination of physical, neurological, and movement-related factors and may affect everyday activities, work, and physical tolerance.
PhysioPhil provides physiotherapy care that focuses on understanding how these ongoing symptoms are affecting movement, balance, neck function, and activity levels, so management strategies can be tailored to the individual.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a term used when concussion-related symptoms continue beyond the expected early recovery period. These symptoms may be influenced by a range of interacting systems within the body, including:
- The autonomic nervous system (which helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and exercise response)
- The vestibular system (balance and spatial awareness)
- The oculomotor system (eye movement and visual tracking)
- The cervical spine (neck and upper-body structures)
- Neurometabolic changes within the brain
In many people, more than one of these factors may be contributing to their ongoing symptoms. For this reason, careful assessment is important to help guide appropriate physiotherapy support.
Common Post-Concussion Syndrome
COGNITIVE & MENTAL SYMPTOMS
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slower thinking
- Memory difficulties
- Reduced mental endurance
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Headache
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea
- Balance changes
- Neck discomfort
- Visual disturbances
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
VISUAL-RELATED SYMPTOMS
- Eye strain
- Difficulty reading
- Visual tracking difficulties
- Discomfort when using screens
VESTIBULAR (BALANCE) SYMPTOMS
- Dizziness with head movement
- Unsteadiness while walking
- Motion sensitivity
- Nausea in busy environments
AUTONOMIC (EXERCISE-RELATED) SYMPTOMS
- Reduced tolerance to physical activity
- Changes in heart rate with exertion
- Feeling faint or unwell with activity
SLEEP & MOOD-RELATED SYMPTOMS
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Reduced stress tolerance
Note that not everyone experiences all of these symptoms and their intensity and pattern can differ between people.
How Physiotherapy Can Support
PhysioPhil provides physiotherapy support for people with post-concussion presentations by focusing on how symptoms relate to movement, balance, neck function, and physical activity.
This may involve:
- Assessing movement, balance, and neck function
- Identifying physical contributors to ongoing symptoms
- Guiding gradual and symptom-informed progression of activity
- Providing education and practical strategies to support daily life
Physiotherapy services are tailored to individual needs. Outcomes may vary, and treatment plans are developed following a professional assessment.
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