When most people think of a concussion, they picture a dramatic fall, a knockout hit on the football field, or someone losing consciousness. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to pass out—or even hit your head—to get a concussion.
At The OUCH Center, we see many patients dealing with the aftereffects of concussions they didn’t realize they had. These “invisible injuries” are more common than you think—and easier to miss than you might expect.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or impact that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can damage brain cells, trigger chemical changes, and affect how your brain functions—temporarily or, in some cases, long term.
You can get a concussion from:
Whiplash or a quick head movement (like in a car accident)
Falling and hitting your body (even if your head doesn’t make contact)
A blow to the jaw or face
Sudden stops during sports or collisions
No direct hit to the head required. No blackout moment necessary.
How Do You Know If You Have One?
Because there’s no bruise, broken bone, or bleeding—concussions can go undetected for days or weeks. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs. Common symptoms include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or feeling off-balance
Nausea or light sensitivity
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Feeling slowed down or “not right”
Mood changes (irritability, sadness, anxiety)
Fatigue or sleeping more (or less) than usual
Difficulty remembering or focusing
These symptoms can appear right away—or be delayed for hours or days.
Why “Mild” Doesn’t Mean “Minor”
Even though a concussion is labeled “mild” in medical terms, it can seriously affect your daily life. Left untreated, a concussion can lead to longer-lasting issues like:
Persistent headaches
Memory problems
Sleep disturbances
Emotional instability
Difficulty at school or work
That’s why it’s essential to take any suspected concussion seriously, even if you didn’t lose consciousness or feel symptoms right away.
When Should You Get Evaluated?
If you’ve had a fall, accident, or sudden jolt—especially if you’re feeling “off”—you should be checked out. At The OUCH Center, we perform specialized concussion evaluations to identify signs of brain injury and guide your recovery.
You should see a provider if:
You’ve had a recent impact or accident
You’re experiencing ongoing headaches or brain fog
Your coordination, balance, or memory feels “off”
You’re struggling to return to normal activities after a hit or fall
You have mood changes or sleep problems that started after an injury
What We Do at The OUCH Center
We don’t just treat bones and joints—we treat your whole musculoskeletal and neurological system. Our concussion evaluations include:
A thorough neurological assessment
Balance and coordination testing
Cognitive and memory screening
Personalized recovery planning
Support for return to school, work, or sports
We help you recover fully—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.
Don’t Ignore the Invisible OUCH
Concussions are real, even if they leave no visible mark. If something feels off after a fall, crash, or sports impact—trust your instincts and get checked out.
📍 Visit us in Arcadia, Glendale, or Palmdale, CA
📞 Call (626) 389-3893 or (818) 643-4346
📧 Email info@theouchcenter.com to schedule your concussion evaluation
At The OUCH Center, we take your head—and your health—seriously. Because just because you didn’t get knocked out doesn’t mean it’s all in your head.