Most people think of concussions as something that happens to kids playing football or soccer. Concussions are extremely common in adults. They can result from slips in the shower, car accidents, or even hitting your head on a cabinet. The problem is, most adults don’t recognize the signs or know what to do next.
So let’s clear things up. This guide will walk you through the symptoms. It also details what to watch for and how to safely recover, whether you’re over 40 or over 70.
🤕 What Exactly Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It occurs when a sudden jolt or blow to the head causes the brain to shift rapidly inside the skull. That movement can disrupt normal brain function and lead to a variety of symptoms — not just a headache.
Important Note: You don’t have to black out to have a concussion. In fact, most people with concussions never lose consciousness.
🚨 Common Signs & Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms can show up immediately or take hours to appear. The most common include:
- Headache that won’t go away
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Feeling foggy or slowed down mentally
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Irritability, mood swings, or unusual behavior
- Fatigue or sleep disturbance
Even one or two of these could indicate a concussion, especially after a fall or bump to the head.
🧠 Why Adults Need to Take Concussions Seriously
According to the CDC, adults over 65 have the highest rates of hospitalizations due to falls. They also have the highest rates of deaths related to traumatic brain injuries. But that doesn’t mean younger adults are off the hook. Middle-aged adults are often so busy with work and life that they ignore symptoms — until it’s too late.
Untreated concussions can lead to:
- Persistent post-concussion symptoms (lasting weeks or months)
- Increased fall risk
- Mental fog and memory problems
- Slower reaction time — especially dangerous when driving
- Anxiety and depression
⏱ When to Seek Medical Help
Call your doctor or seek urgent care if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Worsening headache or confusion
- Difficulty speaking, walking, or using your arms
- Seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- A visible head deformity or bleeding from the ears or nose
These may be signs of a more serious brain injury and need immediate attention.
🛌 What Recovery Really Looks Like
You don’t just “shake it off.” Recovery from a concussion involves:
- Physical rest — Especially in the first 24–48 hours
- Cognitive rest — Limit screen time, avoid stressful work, and get plenty of sleep
- Gradual return to activity — With the guidance of a healthcare provider
- PT or vestibular therapy — Especially if dizziness, balance problems, or neck stiffness persist
A concussion-specialized PT (like at Healthy SBC) can assess your symptoms. They can build a custom recovery plan. This plan includes balance retraining, exertion protocols, and neck mobility work.
✅ Quick Recovery Tips for Adults Over 40
- Hydrate well — dehydration can worsen symptoms
- Prioritize sleep — it’s how your brain heals
- Avoid alcohol
- Take notes or use reminders for memory gaps
🧠 You’re Not Being Weak — You’re Being Smart
A concussion is an injury. You wouldn’t walk on a broken leg — so don’t push through a brain injury. Listen to your body, ask for help, and recover the right way.
If you’ve had a head injury and don’t feel like yourself, don’t wait. Reach out.
📚 Research Insight:
A study in JAMA Neurology found that over 50% of adults with concussions had lingering symptoms 3 months after injury — but those who started guided recovery early had significantly better outcomes (Lumba-Brown et al., 2018).
Jeremy Sutton, PT, DPT, Cert DN
📍 Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, Benton, and Haughton
📞 Call or text: 318-278-0330
The Mobility Doctor 
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