Concussion
What is concussion?
At Luca, we want to make sure everyone understands exactly what concussion is.
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head that affects how the brain works. Even a minor impact can result in concussion, and symptoms might show up immediately or even hours later, sometimes lasting for days or weeks.
Luca insights into concussion
- 90% of concussions don’t involve being knocked out.
- There are between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and reaction-related concussions each year.
- 50% of concussions go undiagnosed, putting pupils at serious risk.
- Children and teenagers are more susceptible to concussions and may take longer to recover than adults.
- Having more than one concussion can increase the risk of long-term issues like memory problems, mood changes, and increased sensitivity to lights and sounds.
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Research suggests that repeated sub-concussive blows may lead to changes in the brain, including cognitive decline and structural changes.
Recognise the signs of concussion - The Luca Way
At Luca, we know that recognising symptoms of concussion quickly is key to recovery. Many symptoms may have a delayed arrival but the majority are evident within 48 hours post injury.
Common signs of concussion:
- Headache, dizziness, or balance issues
- Confusion, feeling “foggy,” or difficulty remembering things
- Blurred vision or unusual sensitivity to light or noise
Luca in real life – understanding how to detect symptoms
Some everyday clues:
Light Sensitivity: Going into a supermarket and the bright lights cause a headache or discomfort.
Confusion: Struggling to remember where your classroom is or where you left your school bag.
Dizziness: Feeling unsteady while walking through a school corridor.
Know the Red Flags – Luca's Critical Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following, seek emergency medical help immediately:
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe or worsening headache
- Slurred speech
- Seizures or convulsions
- Neck pain or numbness in arms or legs
- Growing confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up
Concussion
FAQs
Concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body that shakes the brain inside the skull. This can affect how the brain functions, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
No, most concussions don’t involve losing consciousness. In fact, the majority of people who suffer concussions remain awake but may feel confused or dazed.
Symptoms can appear immediately, but in some cases, they might take hours or even days to show up. That’s why it’s important to monitor anyone who has had a head injury closely.
No. Returning to sport before full recovery can significantly increase the risk of a second concussion, which can lead to long-term complications. Luca follows a safe, step-by-step protocol to ensure athletes return only when they are fully symptom-free.
It can be hard to distinguish, but concussion-related dizziness often feels like the room is spinning or you feel unsteady when walking or standing still. If you’ve had a recent head injury and feel dizzy in unexpected situations—like walking in a straight line—it’s best to get checked out.
Yes, concussions can cause emotional symptoms such as irritability, sadness, or anxiety. If a child seems unusually down or emotional after a head injury, it could be a sign that the brain is still recovering.
Most children recover in 2–4 weeks, but this varies depending on the severity of the concussion, the individual’s age, and how well they follow the recommended recovery steps.
It’s not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate during recovery. If they worsen after physical or mental exertion, it’s a sign that you need to rest more. Make sure you keep the Luca medics updated.
Luca’s app offers advanced cognitive, motor, and ocular assessments that allow you to self-test your recovery. These results are reviewed by medical professionals alongside their virtual medical assessment of you to ensure you’re on track and inform when it’s safe to return to school or sports
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