We often hear about concussions in athletes, car accident survivors, or even from everyday falls. But do we really understand what happens inside the brain when a concussion occurs? Mandi Dickey, a neurology nurse practitioner and concussion expert, sheds light on the true impact of concussions, how they affect brain function, and what we can do to protect and heal our brains.
What Happens to the Brain During a Concussion?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to hit your head to get a concussion. A hard hit to the torso or sudden movement can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull, leading to trauma. Mandi explains that when the brain moves rapidly, it experiences shearing forces, which can stretch and even break neurons. This leads to a disruption in communication between different areas of the brain.
“Your brain is bouncing and twisting inside the skull, and that motion can cause neurons to stretch or break, leading to memory loss and cognitive difficulties.” – Mandi Dickey
The damage isn’t always visible on an MRI or CT scan, making concussions a silent but serious injury.
The Hidden Challenges of Concussions
One of the biggest struggles concussion survivors face is that their injury is invisible. Unlike a broken bone, there’s no cast or bandage signaling that someone is healing. This can lead to frustration from both the injured person and their loved ones.
Mandi shares her personal experience of having a concussion after working in neurology for over a decade. Even with her expertise, she found herself struggling in unexpected ways:
“I thought I knew what concussions were—until I had one myself. The mental fog, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating were overwhelming.” – Mandi Dickey
This disconnect between visible injuries and internal struggles often leads to relationship strain, misunderstandings, and emotional distress.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Concussion?
This is the million-dollar question. Some people recover in days, while others take months or even years. Factors that influence recovery include:
✅ Gender – Women tend to have a harder time recovering due to biological differences in brain structure.
✅ Previous Concussions – Multiple concussions lead to longer recovery times.
✅ Existing Health Conditions – Migraines, autoimmune diseases, depression, and anxiety can slow the healing process.
✅ Age – Younger brains have greater plasticity, meaning they may recover faster than older individuals.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Each brain heals at its own pace, making patience and proper care essential.
Keeping Your Brain Strong: Prevention and Recovery Tips
While we can’t prevent all concussions, we can take steps to reduce the risk and support brain healing in case of injury. Mandi shares three key areas to focus on:
1. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, supporting neuron function and overall brain health. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
2. Keep Your Mind Engaged
Brain-stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, learning a new skill, or even social engagement help maintain neural connections. “Use it or lose it” applies to brain health!
3. Proper Nutrition and Hydration
A healthy brain needs protein, B vitamins, and plenty of water. Staying hydrated and eating nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, fish, and nuts can aid in recovery.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms: The Less Obvious Signs
Many assume that concussions only cause headaches or dizziness, but symptoms can be far more complex. Here are some lesser-known signs to look out for:
🔹 Trouble focusing or remembering information
🔹Increased irritability or mood swings
🔹Sensitivity to light, noise, or busy environments
🔹Sleep disturbances—either too much or too little
🔹Nausea or vision changes
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention to avoid long-term complications.
The Role of Helmets in Sports and Everyday Life
Contact sports like football and hockey come with a high risk of concussions, even with protective gear. Mandi emphasizes that while helmets are improving, they can’t prevent concussions entirely. Instead, they help reduce the severity of injuries.
“You only have one brain, and we can’t do brain transplants—so protect it at all costs.” – Mandi Dickey
For athletes, wearing properly fitted helmets, following return-to-play guidelines, and undergoing cognitive testing can minimize long-term damage.
Taking Care of Your Brain for Life
Brain health is something we should prioritize before an injury happens. By staying active, eating well, and being mindful of concussion risks, we can support our brains at every stage of life.
Have you or someone you know experienced a concussion? What was your recovery like? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Protect your brain—it’s the only one you’ve got! 🧠💡
