Sports Related Concussion

Overview

A sports-related concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct blow to the head or body during physical activity. Although classified as “mild,” concussion can lead to persistent symptoms that impact memory, balance, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults experiencing ongoing symptoms following concussion, including those sustained in sport. We support recovery through a tailored, multidisciplinary approach.

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What Is a Sports-Related Concussion?

Concussion is a temporary disruption in brain function following an impact. In sport, it can be caused by contact with another player, the ground, or sports equipment. The injury may not always involve loss of consciousness.

Sports where concussion is more common include:

• Football (soccer)
• Rugby
• Cycling
• Horse riding
• Boxing or martial arts
• Hockey and netball

Most individuals recover fully within days or weeks, but in some cases, symptoms may persist—this is known as post-concussion syndrome.

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Symptoms of Concussion

Symptoms may appear immediately or several hours after the injury and can affect multiple aspects of brain function.

Physical Symptoms

• Headache
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Visual disturbances
• Fatigue or drowsiness

Cognitive Symptoms

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Slowed thinking
• “Brain fog” or confusion

Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms

• Irritability or mood swings
• Anxiety or depression
• Reduced motivation
• Sleep disturbance

It is important to monitor symptoms closely after injury, particularly in the first 48 hours. Persistent symptoms beyond a few weeks may require specialist rehabilitation.

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Diagnosis

Concussion is typically diagnosed based on a clinical history and symptom presentation. Diagnostic tools may include:

• Neurological examination
• Cognitive screening
• Balance and coordination testing
• MRI or CT scan (to rule out more serious injury, if needed)
• Neuropsychological assessment (to guide rehab planning)

Persistent symptoms after a sports-related concussion may signal the need for structured recovery support.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer individualised inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults experiencing prolonged symptoms following sports-related concussion. Our programmes are designed to address the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of injury.

Our services include:

Physiotherapy

• Balance and coordination retraining
• Head and neck mobility (especially after whiplash-type injuries)
• Graded return-to-activity support
• Vestibular rehabilitation (for dizziness and spatial issues)

Occupational Therapy

• Cognitive rehabilitation (attention, memory, processing speed)
• Daily activity pacing and fatigue management
• Return-to-work or return-to-sport planning
• Visual tracking and reaction training

Neuropsychology

• Emotional support and adjustment counselling
• Strategies for anxiety, low mood or irritability
• Goal-setting and motivation work
• Sleep and routine management

Speech and Language Therapy (if needed)

• Support with word-finding, memory, and communication
• Cognitive-communication strategies for daily life

Specialist Nursing

• Ongoing symptom monitoring
• Medication support (e.g. for headaches or sleep)
• Care coordination across the team

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Who We Support

We work with adults (18+) who:

• Have experienced a sports-related concussion or mild brain injury
• Are experiencing persistent physical or cognitive symptoms
• Are struggling to return to normal function or sport
• Would benefit from a structured, multidisciplinary rehab programme

To speak with our admissions team, call 01296 678800 or enquire online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation for brain injuries
• Consultant-led team with decades of experience
• Therapy delivered up to 7 days a week
• Quiet, private environment focused on recovery
• Support for families and structured discharge planning