Concussion FAQs

The questions listed below represent some of the most frequently asked by the public regarding concussion.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you suspect you have a concussion, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, leading to chemical changes and potentially stretching or damaging brain cells. While often classified as mild, concussions can still affect thinking, learning, feeling, and behavior.

It does not always involve loss of consciousness, and symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours or days.

What is a concussion?

How is a concussion different from a TBI?

It’s not...a concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The term "concussion" is commonly used to describe mTBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function.

However, despite being labeled "mild," many individuals experience significant and prolonged symptoms that can deeply impact daily life, highlighting that mild refers to the initial clinical classification, not necessarily the severity of symptoms or recovery time.

How do I know if I have a concussion; what are the symptoms of a concussion?

A concussion can occur even without loss of consciousness, and symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours or days. If you've experienced a blow to the head or a sudden jolt and notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a concussion and should consult a healthcare professional.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion Include:

Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or vomiting
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to motion, light, or noise
Confusion or feeling mentally “foggy”
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Fatigue or low energy

How will I feel after a concussion?

After a concussion, how you feel can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and your individual response. Some people feel “off” immediately, while others may not notice symptoms until hours or days later.

In addition to the concussion symptoms mentioned above, you may experience emotional and behavioral symptoms, such as:

Irritability, mood swings
Emotional dysregulation
Anxiety or depression
Feeling overwhelmed / easily frustrated

What is the treatment for a concussion?

For decades treatment for concussion has been rest and do nothing. Recently, concussion experts have shifted to a more active approach to concussion recovery.

Active recovery following concussion refers to a carefully guided approach that involves gradually resuming physical, cognitive, and vestibular activity—rather than complete rest to promote faster and more complete healing.

This concept marks a shift from the older “rest until symptom-free” model to a more modern, evidence-based strategy that supports controlled incremental stimulation of the brain and body during the recovery process.

What is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)?

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, or VRT is a specialized form of therapy designed to treat symptoms of vestibular dysfunction; a common condition that results from concussion.

After a concussion, the vestibular system may become impaired, leading to difficulty with movement, coordination, and sensory processing. VRT helps:

Restore balance and spatial awareness
Improve visual stability and coordination
Desensitize the brain to motion and vision triggers
Enhance overall functional recovery

How does GyroStim help with concussion recovery?

GyroStim is an FDA-cleared medical device that accelerates concussion recovery by targeting vestibular, visual, and cognitive dysfunction—common impairments following concussion.

Designated by the FDA as a Breakthrough Medical Device, GyroStim delivers controlled, multi-axis motion while simultaneously engaging patients in visual and cognitive tasks. This technology-assisted, multisensory stimulation marks a significant advancement in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), promoting neuroplasticity, improving balance, reducing dizziness and sensory sensitivities, and enhancing focus and coordination.

By integrating multiple therapeutic modalities into a single, data-driven session, GyroStim offers a faster, more effective path to recovery—even for patients who have not responded to traditional treatment.

Is it okay to sleep after a concussion?

Generally, it is okay to sleep after a concussion as long as the person has been medically evaluated first and shows no signs of serious brain injury.

How long does a concussion last?

While most concussions resolve on their own within days or weeks, an estimated 10% to 30% of concussions result in persistent symptoms that can last for months, years, and in some cases persist indefinitely.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

When concussion symptoms persist beyond several weeks, typically more than four, the diagnosis may shift to post-concussion syndrome (PCS). In many of these cases, GyroStim's technology-driven vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can play a critical role in reducing symptoms and accelerating recovery.

No. CTE is not the same as PCS. CTE is a progressive, neurodegenerative brain disease believed to be caused by repeated head impacts, both concussive and subconcussive, over time.

While both conditions can involve cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, their causes, progression, and long-term outcomes are fundamentally different. Concussions and PCS are typically acute, reversible injuries, whereas CTE involves long-term structural and functional changes in the brain.

CTE is most commonly associated with athletes in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, and soccer, particularly those who have sustained repeated head impacts over a long time period. It is progressive, irreversible, and currently diagnosable only post-mortem.

While there is considerable interest and speculation, clinical research is needed to determine the extent to which GyroStim therapy may mitigate the cumulative effects of concussions associated with the development of CTE.

Is post-concussion syndrome (PCS) the same thing as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

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Breakthrough-Designated
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*GyroStim is a medical device with a general indication for use (IFU) which can be used for specific conditions within the scope of its intended use, provided that the manufacturer's labeling and instructions for use are followed. Ultimately, the healthcare provider must exercise their clinical judgement when considering whether the use of GyroStim for treatment of a specific condition is appropriate and within the scope of its intended use.