A brief guide for mental health professionals understanding concussion symptoms, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Concussion is a term used to describe the symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While most individuals recover within days or weeks, a notable percentage experience persistent symptoms. This handout provides insights into common symptoms, recovery trajectories, rehabilitation strategies, and the psychological aspects that might influence recovery.
Concussions, often resulting from blows to the head, cause temporary changes in brain function. Early intervention can enhance recovery trajectories and reduce prolonged symptoms.
Individuals displaying prolonged symptoms after initial recovery.
Clients suffering from mild head injuries with cognitive and emotional symptoms.
Recognize the primary symptoms of concussion.
Provide psychoeducation on the transient nature of most symptoms.
Encourage a gradual return to regular activities while monitoring symptoms.
Offer strategies to manage stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.
Address misconceptions about the injury to reduce anxiety and frustration.
Concussion, also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), involves temporary disruption in brain function caused by movement of the brain within the skull. This disruption affects how brain cells communicate and manage energy, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, memory difficulties, and emotional changes.
Although many people recover within a few weeks, a notable proportion experience prolonged symptoms. These persistent difficulties are not always due to structural brain damage but may be influenced by psychological and contextual factors. Stress, a history of anxiety or depression, and negative beliefs about the injury or recovery process are key predictors of ongoing symptoms. Some individuals develop unhelpful coping behaviours, such as avoiding cognitively demanding tasks, which can inadvertently maintain impairment.
Therapists can play an important role by offering early psychoeducation, which helps to normalize symptoms and reassure clients about their typically transient nature. Interventions should aim to correct cognitive distortions, promote adaptive coping strategies, and encourage gradual re-engagement with daily activities. Including family or support networks in early education may also enhance recovery (Wade et al., 1998)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective for clients with persistent post-concussion symptoms. CBT helps individuals address maladaptive thoughts, manage emotional distress, and reduce behavioural avoidance. It can be especially useful in treating common post-concussive difficulties such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal (Chen et al., 2020).
