How to Know If You Have a Concussion: Signs, Symptoms & When to See a Physiotherapist

Wondering if your head injury is a concussion? Learn the signs and symptoms of concussion and when vestibular physiotherapy in Delta, BC can help you recover faster.

Anna Rue
Anna Rue

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You bumped your head at work. Maybe you felt a brief flash of stars, a wave of nausea, or a dull ache behind your eyes. You shook it off and kept going. But a few days later, you’re still not quite right — foggy thinking, sensitivity to light, a headache that won’t quit.

Sound familiar? You may have had a concussion — and if left untreated, the symptoms can linger for weeks or even months.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. You don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. In fact, most people who sustain a concussion remain awake throughout.

Concussions are common after:

  • Workplace accidents (falls, being struck by objects)
  • Motor vehicle accidents (covered by ICBC)
  • Sports injuries
  • Slips and falls

Common Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or take up to 48 hours to develop. They fall into four categories:

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Fatigue

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Feeling “foggy” or slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion

Emotional Symptoms

  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Anxiety
  • Feeling more emotional than usual

Sleep Disturbances

  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Most concussion symptoms resolve within 2–4 weeks. When symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks, this is called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS affects an estimated 15–30% of people who sustain a concussion and can include chronic headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and anxiety.

The good news: post-concussion syndrome responds very well to targeted physiotherapy treatment — even months or years after the original injury.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist for a Concussion?

See a physiotherapist if:

  • Your symptoms are not improving after 2 weeks
  • You’re experiencing dizziness, balance problems, or visual disturbances
  • You sustained the concussion at work (WorkSafeBC may cover treatment)
  • You sustained it in a car accident (ICBC direct billing available)
  • You want to return to work or sport safely with a structured plan

How Physiotherapy Helps Concussion Recovery

Vestibular and concussion physiotherapy at Physiatrix Rehab in Delta, BC addresses the root causes of your symptoms rather than just managing them:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation retrains the balance system to reduce dizziness and improve gaze stability
  • Cervical therapy addresses neck stiffness and headaches that often accompany concussions
  • Graded exertion management helps you return to activity without triggering flare-ups
  • Cognitive load management helps you build back your mental stamina safely
  • Return-to-work planning with WorkSafeBC documentation if applicable

WorkSafeBC Concussion Physiotherapy in Delta, BC

If your concussion occurred at work, you may be entitled to physiotherapy treatment covered entirely by WorkSafeBC — with no out-of-pocket cost. Physiatrix Rehab is a WorkSafeBC approved provider and offers direct billing for all eligible treatments.

Don’t ignore the signs of a concussion. Early, appropriate treatment leads to faster, more complete recovery. If you’re in Delta, Surrey, or Langley and dealing with concussion symptoms, our team at Physiatrix Rehab is here to help.

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Location: 105 – 11957 80 Ave, Delta, BC | 604-728-7626

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