Common Signs & Symptoms
People with a concussion may experience one or more of the following:
Physical Symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Fatigue
- Nausea or sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurred or double vision
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Feeling mentally “foggy”
- Slowed thinking
Emotional & Sleep-Related Symptoms
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Feeling overwhelmed or stressed
Symptoms may appear right after injury, within hours, or even days later, and can vary in intensity. Everyone’s experience is unique.
What Is Post-Concussion?
When concussion symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery timeline (often several weeks), this may be referred to as post-concussion symptoms or post-concussion syndrome. There can be ongoing:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cognitive fatigue
- Difficulty with balance or vision
- Sleep disruption
Persistent symptoms don’t necessarily mean lasting brain damage — they can be influenced by a mix of factors including vestibular, neck, visual, and cognitive systems.
Chronic Concussion & Persistent Symptoms
While many people recover from a concussion within weeks, some experience persistent or recurrent symptoms that last months or longer. These symptoms can affect work, school, physical activity, and overall quality of life.
At Coast Therapy, we offer a Chronic Concussion Recovery Program, designed specifically for individuals experiencing ongoing post-concussive symptoms. This program is led by Dr. Trent Lofthouse, DC, and focuses on helping patients better understand their symptoms and explore recovery options when progress has stalled.
The program begins with:
- A no-charge phone consultation to review symptoms, history, and goals
- A comprehensive in-person intake and assessment, when appropriate
From there, care is structured within a defined timeframe, with the goal of supporting meaningful and lasting recovery.
👉 Learn more about our other Concussion Recovery Programs
- Early Access Concussion Recovery (EACR) Program – ICBC
- Approved Concussion Rehab Provider for WorkSafeBC
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
The clinician reviews the injury, symptoms, triggers, sleep, previous concussions, school or work demands, physical activity and your goals. Depending on your presentation, testing may include neck movement, balance, eye movements, head movement tolerance, exertion tolerance and other relevant functions.
Testing is selected and adjusted to suit your symptoms. The clinician explains the findings, discusses any need for medical assessment or referral, and outlines next steps. A plan may include education, pacing, symptom-guided activity and targeted rehabilitation, with coordination among health professionals when needed.
How Long Can Recovery Take
Many people recover within weeks, while others experience persistent or recurrent symptoms for months or longer. There is no single timeline for everyone. Recovery can be influenced by the injury, symptom burden, health history, sleep, stress and activity demands.
Your clinician monitors progress and adjusts the plan based on function and symptom response. Prolonged complete rest is generally not recommended; activity should be reintroduced gradually according to medical and rehabilitation advice. Worsening symptoms or a pattern that is not improving may need further medical evaluation.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek urgent medical assessment after a head injury for a worsening severe headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, increasing confusion or unusual drowsiness, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, significant loss of coordination or another sudden concerning change. Call 911 for an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your clinician will review your injury, symptoms, triggers, daily activities, and how your symptoms are affecting you. Depending on your presentation, the assessment may include your neck, balance, eye and head movements, exertion tolerance, and other relevant functions. The findings help guide your individualized rehabilitation plan and determine whether further medical assessment or referral may be appropriate.
Recovery from a concussion varies from person to person. Many people improve within a few weeks, while others may experience symptoms for several months or longer. Your clinician will monitor your progress, consider factors that may be affecting your recovery, and adjust your rehabilitation plan as needed. Because every concussion is different, there is no set timeline or number of appointments that applies to everyone.
Yes. Physiotherapy may help with persistent concussion symptoms involving the neck, dizziness, balance, visual or movement tolerance, and a gradual return to activity. For people experiencing symptoms that persist for four months or longer, our Chronic Concussion Recovery Program at our East Vancouver location can provide a more comprehensive approach to assessment and rehabilitation. Your clinician will determine whether this type of care is appropriate and whether other medical or coordinated care may also be needed.
Concussion assessment and rehabilitation are available at most Coast Therapy locations, making it easier to access care close to home. For our Chronic Concussion Recovery Program (East Vancouver), you can start with a no-charge phone consultation to discuss your symptoms and determine whether an in-person assessment is appropriate.
If your concussion is related to a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury, our team can also help you understand whether ICBC EACR or WorkSafeBC pathways may apply to your care.