Understanding Concussions: Symptoms, Risks, and How CORE Can Help

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Concussions can happen in sports, car accidents, falls, or any situation where the head or body experiences a sudden impact. While concussions are often described as "mild" brain injuries, their effects can be serious and long-lasting without proper care.

At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, we specialize in concussion rehabilitation to help patients recover safely and effectively. If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, knowing the symptoms and when to seek treatment is critical.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately after an injury, but in some cases, they may take hours or even days to develop. According to the National Athletic Training Association (NATA), common signs of a concussion include:

• Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry vision or light sensitivity
• Fatigue or feeling sluggish
• Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
• Sensitivity to noise
• Mood changes, such as irritability or sadness
• Clumsiness or delayed reaction time

In more severe cases, individuals may experience:

• Persistent headaches that worsen over time
• Seizures
• Unequal pupil size
• Difficulty waking up or extreme drowsiness
• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness

"If you suspect a concussion, stop all activity immediately and seek medical evaluation," said Nathan Sterling, MS, LAT, ATC, Certified Athletic Trainer at CORE Center. "Ignoring symptoms or returning to sports or work too soon can increase the risk of prolonged recovery and, in some cases, severe brain damage."

Why Is Concussion Rehabilitation Important?

Many people believe that rest alone is enough to recover from a concussion, but research shows that active rehabilitation is often necessary for a full and safe recovery. Without the right treatment, concussion symptoms can linger for weeks, months, or even years, leading to chronic headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and increased risk of future brain injuries.

How CORE Center Helps with Concussion Recovery

At CORE Center, we offer a comprehensive concussion rehabilitation program designed to help patients regain function and return to their normal activities safely. Our specialists use hands-on, evidence-based techniques tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and recovery needs.

Our concussion rehabilitation services include:

✔ Neurological re-education – Helping the brain rewire itself to improve balance, coordination, and cognitive function.
✔ Vestibular therapy – Treating dizziness, vertigo, and motion sensitivity.
✔ Manual therapy – Hands-on treatment to relieve headaches and neck pain.
✔ Cognitive rehabilitation – Supporting memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
✔ Vision training – Improving eye tracking, coordination, and visual processing.
✔ Gradual return-to-play protocols – Ensuring athletes safely transition back to sports.

"Our goal is to help each patient fully recover and prevent long-term complications," Sterling said. "We develop individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s symptoms and progress, ensuring they return to their daily activities safely and confidently."

When Should You Seek Concussion Rehabilitation?

If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion and is experiencing ongoing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating, seeking specialized rehabilitation is crucial.

Contact CORE Center if you experience:

• Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks
• Difficulty returning to work, school, or sports
• Balance issues or coordination problems
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Trouble focusing or processing information

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to prolonged recovery and increased risk of further injury.

Schedule a Concussion Evaluation at CORE Center

If you are struggling with post-concussion symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, we provide expert concussion rehabilitation to help you recover safely and effectively.

📍 CORE Center | 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
📞 Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule an evaluation.

Your brain health matters—get the care you need today.