Key points

• Loss of consciousness isn’t required for a concussion. 

• Concussions can occur without direct head impact. 

• Symptoms may be delayed and not appear immediately. 

• Feeling fine doesn’t mean it’s safe to resume activities. 

Misconceptions about concussions are widespread in popular culture, leading to potentially harmful outcomes due to improper understanding and treatment of these injuries. 

Here are five prevalent myths about concussions and the truth behind them to help ensure the safety of you and those around you in the event of a head injury. 

Myth 1: A Concussion Always Involves Loss of Consciousness 

A common belief, often fueled by television and movies, is that a person must lose consciousness to have suffered a concussion. This misconception can be dangerous, as it may lead individuals to dismiss a concussion if they remain conscious. 

In fact, only about 10% of concussion cases involve a loss of consciousness, as noted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Furthermore, the severity of a concussion is not necessarily indicated by whether or not a person loses consciousness. UPMC’s research indicates that the presence or absence of consciousness loss does not correlate with the severity or the recovery time of the concussion. 

Myth 2: Concussions Only Result from Direct Head Impact 

Another widespread misunderstanding is that concussions only occur due to direct hits to the head, particularly in contact sports like football. However, concussions can happen without a direct head impact. 

Sudden jolts or bumps to the body that cause the head to move violently, such as in whiplash from a car accident or a fall, can also lead to concussions. These types of injuries demonstrate that concussions can occur in various everyday situations, not just during athletic events. 

Myth 3:  Prolonged rest is necessary 

While rest is important, extended rest periods are not necessary and can actually prolong recovery. Light physical activity, as tolerated, can be beneficial¹. 

Initial light rest for a day or two is generally recommended, but a return to normal activities as soon as possible has been found to be helpful. Too much rest or "total rest" without any physical or mental activities may perpetuate or bring on symptoms. Treatment should be targeted to the symptoms the patient is displaying (for example, headaches, nausea, etc.), and a gradual return to normal activities should be encouraged. 

Myth 4: Immediate Symptoms are Necessary to Diagnose a Concussion 

Some believe that if symptoms don’t appear right after a head injury, a concussion hasn’t occurred. However, symptoms may not manifest until hours or even days later. 

Initial symptoms might include confusion, headaches, and dizziness, but delayed symptoms can also develop, such as light and noise sensitivity, cognitive problems, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even depression. Being aware of these delayed signs is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Myth 5: Feeling Fine Means It’s Safe to Resume Activities 

It’s a mistake to assume that feeling well soon after a concussion means it's safe to return to normal activities, especially sports. Since symptoms can take time to fully develop, it’s essential to be cleared by a medical professional before resuming play. 

Resuming activities too quickly can lead to serious complications, including post-traumatic headaches that can last for months or, in rare cases, second-impact syndrome, a potentially fatal condition where a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed. 

¹ 7 Concussion Myths and Misconceptions (Des Moines University Medicine & Health Sciences)