What is a Concussion? Causes, Symptoms & Breakthrough Treatment Options
Understanding Concussions: More Than Just a Bump on the Head
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a sudden impact, jolt, or blow causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and, in some cases, damage brain cells. While concussions are often labeled as "mild," their effects can be anything but—ranging from temporary symptoms to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges.
How Common Are Concussions?
Studies estimate that up to 3.8 million concussions occur in the U.S. each year, making it the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many go undiagnosed, leaving individuals to struggle with lingering symptoms for months or even years. Understanding concussion symptoms and treatment options is crucial to ensuring a full recovery.
Concussions in Sports: A Growing Concern for Athletes
Which Sports Have the Highest Risk of Concussions?
Athletes participating in high-contact and high-speed sports are at increased risk for concussions. Some of the most common sports where concussions occur include:
Football, especially in high school, college, and professional leagues
Hockey, due to frequent collisions and falls on ice
Soccer, due to headers and player-to-player contact which both contribute to concussions
Basketball, because of elbow hits, falls, and high-impact play that can lead to head injuries
Wrestling and martial arts, due to direct hits and falls increasing concussion risk
Cheerleading and gymnastics for high-impact landings and falls
While these may be the most common sports for concussions, athletes are susceptible to concussions in nearly every sport.
The Long-Term Risks for Athletes
Repeated concussions or failure to fully recover from an initial concussion can increase the risk of post-concussion syndrome (PCS), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other neurological disorders. Proper diagnosis and treatment are critical for an athlete’s long-term health and performance.
Are you an athlete who is curious about how HBOT can change the game? Read about our 2024 Athlete Ambassadors and apply today!
Concussions Beyond Sports: Everyday Accidents Matter
While sports-related concussions are widely discussed, anyone can sustain a concussion in everyday life. Some of the most common non-sports causes of concussions include:
Car accidents where whiplash and sudden impact can cause the brain to shift inside the skull.
Slips and falls, especially among young children and older adults.
Workplace injuries due to falls from ladders, equipment malfunctions, and construction site accidents.
Physical assaults with any direct impact to the head, even without losing consciousness.
Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may not appear immediately after injury. Symptoms are categorized into four key areas:
Physical Symptoms
Persistent or worsening headaches (whether constant or intermittent)
Dizziness and balance issues
Nausea or vomiting
Visual changes, such as blurred vision
Sensitivity to light and/or noise
Feeling tired or sluggish
Cognitive Symptoms
Word searching, or being unable to remember or recall words
Difficulty processing thoughts or forming sentences
Memory loss or trouble concentrating
Brain fog or feeling slowed down in thinking or speaking
Emotional Symptoms
Feeling more or less emotional than usual
Becoming easily angered
Increased irritability or mood swings
Onset or increased anxiety and/or depression
Sleep-Related Symptoms
Sleeping more or less than usual
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Waking up frequently at night (and usually unable to go back to sleep)
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms after a head injury, seeking medical evaluation is crucial.
Can You Treat a Concussion? YES!
Traditionally, the standard of care for concussions has been "rest and wait." However, at Healing with Hyperbarics of North Dakota, we are changing the standard of care from concussion management to concussion treatment where the ultimate goal is symptom-free results.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy Helps Heal Concussions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a proven treatment that enhances the body's ability to heal by delivering 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. HBO therapy works by:
Reducing brain inflammation
Boosting oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue
Enhancing neuroplasticity (brain healing & rewiring)
Speeding up concussion recovery time
What Types of Concussions Can HBOT Treat?
Whether you're seeking confirmation of a concussion or looking to alleviate its effects, our team is dedicated to your recovery. We utilize the Denham “TREAT a Concussion” protocol; a method refined over years of research to cater to each patient’s individual needs.
We treat both acute concussions and post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Acute concussions are defined as injuries we see within 2 weeks of occurrence. Our protocols aim for rapid improvement, with many patients experiencing full symptom recovery in just 3 to 5 HBO treatments, or typically just a few days.
For post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is what we define as concussions that linger beyond 2 weeks, experiencing symptoms months or even years later. We tailor treatment to each patient’s needs, aiming for the quickest recovery possible. For this condition, the number of treatments needed greatly varies due to specific factors such as time since the injury, number of concussions endured, and symptoms persisting. Overall, many PCS patients see improvement with 5 to 10 HBO treatments.
“Healing with Hyperbarics changed my life. After 5 treatments, my concussion symptoms were gone, my memory improved, and my headaches disappeared!” – Lara B.
How to Get Started with HBO for Concussions
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we offer a comprehensive concussion treatment program using the Denham “TREAT a Concussion Protocol”— a structured, research-backed approach designed for rapid symptom relief.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Concussion Testing
Meet with our doctor for diagnostic evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Begin Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy
Experience 1-hour HBO treatments designed to accelerate brain healing and symptom resolution.
Step 3: Return to Your Life, Symptom-Free
On average, patients see significant improvement in just a few sessions!
Ready to take the next step? Call or visit our clinic at 4487 Calico Dr S Suite B Fargo, ND 58104.
Real Stories: How HBOT Has Helped Concussion Patients Recover
“My son had amazing results after each treatment with fewer concussion symptoms and then eventually none! We highly recommend Healing with Hyperbarics and would consider returning to treat other health issues for the whole family.” – Danene F.
“Great experience, helped my son get rid of concussion symptoms after just 3 treatments!” – Jessica S.
“Healing with Hyberbarics has changed my life. 8 months post-concussion I was still struggling with memory issues, constant headaches, ear pain, balance issues, and blurred vision. After 5 treatments I feel better than I did pre-concussion! Zero headaches, balance has returned to normal, but what I am noticing most is the ‘brain fog’ is completely gone. Hyperbarics has been a total life changing experience for me.” – Lara B.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Accept a "New Normal"
Understanding concussions, their causes, symptoms and treatment is vital for ensuring proper recovery. Whether through sports, accidents, or daily activities, being aware of the risks and creating a plan for when a concussion occurs, can help minimize the impact of this common but serious injury. And don’t forget, whether it’s days or decades after injury, we can always TREAT a concussion.
A concussion does not have to mean a lifetime of symptoms. With early intervention and HBOT, you can recover fully and return to the activities you love—without brain fog, headaches, or cognitive struggles.
📍 Located in Fargo, ND, Healing with Hyperbarics is the leading concussion treatment center in the Midwest. If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, don’t wait—schedule an evaluation today.
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