What to Do When It’s More Than a Headache: How to Ask for Help After a Concussion

A concussion is more than just a headache, and it often takes more than a scan to understand its effects. This article explores what to do when symptoms persist and how to ask for the right support for a full recovery.

A concussion can feel like “just a headache” at first, but the reality is that this type of brain injury often involves more complex symptoms that go beyond initial pain or discomfort. While a visit to the hospital or an imaging scan might reassure you that there’s no immediate danger, concussions can have lingering effects that impact mood, concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.

At Progressive Therapy Associates, we understand that recovery from a concussion may require more than a quick scan or a few days of rest. In this article, we’ll explore what to do when your symptoms go beyond a headache and how to seek the right kind of help for a complete recovery.

Understanding Why Concussions Are More Than Just a Headache

Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affect not only the physical structure of the brain, but also its function. When the brain is jarred or impacted, the injury can disrupt communication between brain cells, leading to a range of symptoms. Here’s why a concussion goes beyond just a headache:

• Physical Effects: Many people experience headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or sound following a concussion. These symptoms may seem mild, but can indicate underlying disruption in brain function.
• Cognitive Changes: Concussions often impact the brain’s ability to process information, leading to cognitive symptoms like memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or slower mental processing. These effects may not be immediately obvious but can have a significant impact on work, school, or daily activities.
• Emotional and Behavioral Effects: Concussions can affect emotional regulation, sometimes leading to irritability, mood swings, or even anxiety and depression. These changes may be confusing and frustrating, especially if they persist after other symptoms subside.

These effects show that a concussion is much more than a bump on the head. Without the right kind of care, the lingering impact of a concussion can lead to prolonged symptoms or additional stress, highlighting the importance of thorough recovery support.

Why It Often Takes More Than a Scan to Understand a Concussion

Many people assume that an imaging scan, like an MRI or CT, is enough to assess a concussion fully. However, these scans primarily detect structural damage and may not reveal the functional changes that often accompany a concussion. Here’s why it often takes more than a scan to assess a concussion accurately:

• Functional vs. Structural Changes: Concussions usually involve changes in how the brain functions rather than physical damage visible on a scan. While imaging can rule out serious injuries like bleeding or fractures, it often doesn’t capture the functional disruptions affecting cognition and mood.
• Invisible Symptoms: Many concussion symptoms—like trouble focusing, irritability, or difficulty processing information—don’t show up on a scan. These symptoms can still have a substantial impact on quality of life, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is often necessary.
• Need for Specialized Assessments: A full understanding of a concussion often requires assessments that evaluate cognitive function, memory, balance, and emotional well-being. These tests give insight into how the brain is functioning beyond what imaging alone can reveal.

Recognizing that concussions often need more than a scan is essential for getting the right support and avoiding potential setbacks in recovery.

Signs It’s Time to Ask for Additional Help

It can be difficult to know when to seek additional help, especially if your initial symptoms seemed manageable. However, ongoing symptoms or changes in your daily functioning often indicate the need for professional support. Here are some signs that it may be time to ask for help:
 • Persistent Headaches or Physical Symptoms: If headaches, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and sound persist beyond the initial weeks, they may require specialized care. Lingering physical symptoms are a common sign that the brain hasn’t fully recovered.
 • Cognitive Difficulties: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or slow thinking can make it hard to keep up with daily responsibilities. If these issues continue to interfere with work, school, or other activities, it’s essential to seek support.
 • Emotional Changes: Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety are common after a concussion, but shouldn’t be ignored if they persist. Emotional changes can indicate deeper impacts on the brain’s function and may benefit from targeted treatment.
 • Sensitivity to Sensory Input: If lights, sounds, or busy environments feel overwhelming even weeks after the injury, this can indicate that the brain is still healing and may need additional support.

These signs show that a concussion may require a more in-depth approach to care. At Progressive Therapy Associates, we offer comprehensive evaluations and support for individuals recovering from concussions to help them understand and manage their symptoms effectively.

How to Seek the Right Support for Concussion Recovery

If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms, finding the right support can make a significant difference in your recovery. Here are some steps to help you seek the care you need:

• Look for Specialized Concussion Care: Not all healthcare providers are equipped to address the complexities of concussion recovery. Seek out specialists who understand concussion symptoms and can provide a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond basic imaging.
• Consider a Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Because concussions impact multiple areas of health—physical, cognitive, and emotional—care from a team of professionals, such as therapists, neurologists, or cognitive specialists, can be especially beneficial. This approach allows for tailored support in every area affected by the injury.
• Ask About Assessments Beyond Imaging: When seeking help, ask about evaluations that assess memory, focus, mood, and other aspects of cognitive function. These assessments can provide a clearer picture of the injury’s impact and offer guidance on areas where additional support may be needed.
• Take an Active Role in Recovery: Keeping track of your symptoms, participating in recommended therapies, and being mindful of your limits can all help facilitate recovery. Self-care practices like getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding overexertion are essential to supporting your brain as it heals.

These steps can help ensure you get the care you need for a full and confident recovery. Progressive Therapy Associates specializes in concussion care and offers personalized support to help individuals manage symptoms and regain a sense of normalcy after a brain injury.

Personal Perspective: From My Experience

As someone who works with individuals recovering from concussions, I’ve seen firsthand how much more complex this injury can be than people realize. Many clients come in feeling frustrated or confused, wondering why their symptoms haven’t improved even though their scan showed no major issues. These experiences highlight the importance of going beyond imaging to truly understand and manage a concussion.

One client I worked with experienced ongoing sensitivity to noise and difficulty concentrating weeks after their concussion. Together, we explored a comprehensive approach, including symptom tracking, cognitive exercises, and sensory management strategies. Over time, they felt more in control and began to notice gradual improvement in their symptoms.

If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms, know that you’re not alone. Concussions are complex, and it’s okay to ask for the support you need. At Progressive Therapy Associates, we’re here to guide you through each step of your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if my scan came back normal?
A normal scan doesn’t mean you aren’t experiencing real symptoms. Concussions often involve functional changes that don’t show up on standard imaging, which is why additional assessments can be helpful for understanding the full impact.

Q: How long does it take to see improvement after seeking help?
Recovery varies from person to person. Some individuals may notice improvement within weeks, while others may need several months or longer. Following recommended therapies and allowing your brain the time it needs to heal can support a smoother recovery.

Q: What can I do to support my own recovery?
In addition to seeking professional support, prioritize rest, manage stress, and stay consistent with any recommended exercises or therapies. Monitoring symptoms and taking breaks when needed can also help prevent setbacks.

Conclusion

A concussion is more than just a headache, and understanding its impact often requires more than a quick scan. Lingering symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, highlighting the need for thorough care and support.

If you or a loved one is struggling with ongoing symptoms after a concussion, consider reaching out to Progressive Therapy Associates. Our team is here to provide the resources and support needed to navigate concussion recovery with confidence and care.

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