Understanding Head Injuries and the AMIT Solution

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that moves the brain inside the skull. You do not have to be knocked out to have one, and symptoms such as headache, fogginess, dizziness, or trouble sleeping may not start right away. They can appear days or even weeks after the injury.

Most people recover fully after a concussion, though it can take time. When symptoms are still there weeks or months later, the focus shifts to what is keeping them going: the neck, the cranial bones, and the systems that control balance and vision.

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects the brain's ability to function properly. Brain injuries are often caused by external mechanical forces that lead to dysfunction. Common causes of brain injuries include falls, vehicle-related collisions, violence, sports injuries, and explosive blasts.

Repeated mini-traumas, especially in sports like football or soccer, can also contribute to brain injuries over time. This is one of the the head, neck & spine hub AMIT addresses by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

On This Page:

• Causes of Brain Injuries

• Symptoms of Concussions

• Danger Signs After a Head Injury

• How Long Does a Concussion Last?

• Lingering Symptoms After a Concussion

• AMIT Explanation for Brain Injuries

Causes of Brain Injuries

• Falls: Particularly common in older adults and young children.

• Vehicle Collisions: Impact from car or motorcycle accidents.

• Sports Injuries: Head trauma caused by contact sports like football or soccer.

• Combat Injuries: Explosive blasts and other combat-related injuries.

Symptoms of Concussions

• Headache or Pressure: Often the first sign of a concussion.

• Temporary Loss of Consciousness: A brief period of being unconscious.

• Difficulty with Balance: Trouble walking or maintaining balance.

• Confusion or Slurred Speech: Cognitive impairments following the injury.

Symptoms of Brain Injuries

• Sensitivity to Light or Sound: Often intensified by head trauma.

• Mood Changes: Anxiety, irritability, or depression.

• Dizziness or Difficulty Sleeping: Fatigue and trouble falling asleep.

• Loss of Coordination or Seizures: More severe symptoms can include seizures or motor dysfunction.

Danger Signs After a Head Injury

Some symptoms mean the injury needs emergency care before anything else. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if, after a blow to the head, the person:

• Cannot stay awake or cannot be woken up

• Has a seizure

• Has a headache that gets worse and does not go away

• Has weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination

• Vomits repeatedly, is confused, or has slurred speech

• Lost consciousness, even briefly

• Has clear fluid coming from the nose or ears

An athlete with a suspected concussion should not go back into the game the same day.

How Long Does a Concussion Last?

After a minor head injury, symptoms commonly last up to about two weeks. Rest in the first days matters because it helps the brain heal, and activities that bring symptoms back, such as screens, reading, or exercise, are usually reintroduced gradually rather than all at once.

Recovery time varies from person to person, and the same accident that caused the concussion often injured the neck too, which can keep some symptoms going.

Lingering Symptoms After a Concussion

When headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, poor concentration, or sleep problems last well beyond the expected window, this is often called post-concussion syndrome. The same forces that injure the brain usually injure the neck as well, so a whiplash injury and neck-driven headaches are common companions. We explain our approach to these cases in post-concussion syndrome treatment in Draper.

AMIT Explanation for Brain Injuries

The human skull consists of two primary parts: the facial bones (15 bones) and the cranial vault (8 bones). These parts are joined by sutures—small cracks that allow for subtle movements, which remain visible in adulthood, suggesting mobility persists throughout life. Cranial Sacral Therapy, used by osteopaths, is based on these slight movements. When the sutures are jammed due to trauma, it can lead to various symptoms associated with concussions and brain injuries. AMIT techniques, such as cranial release and "Nasal Specific" therapy, work to alleviate these issues, leading to faster recovery by restoring the motion and reducing symptoms.

Nasal Specific uses small specialized balloons placed in the nasal passages; you can read how it works on our cranial balloon treatment page. Alongside the cranial work, we test the neck and upper back muscles individually, since inhibited neck muscles can keep headaches and dizziness going after the brain injury itself has settled. If you are still in the first days after the injury or have any of the danger signs above, you need a medical evaluation first. What to expect explains how a first visit works.

Steps to Take If You Have a Head Injury

1. Consult a Certified AMIT Practitioner: Schedule a personalized evaluation for your head injury.

2. Treatment and Rehabilitation: AMIT can address dysfunction and promote recovery through muscle reactivation and cranial therapy.

If you're experiencing head injury symptoms, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinics in the Salt lake City Area today for effective treatment using Advanced Muscle Integration Technique.

Concussion Care in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics sees concussion and post-concussion patients at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. Many are athletes, from youth football and soccer players to adults hurt skiing or cycling, and many are people still dealing with symptoms months after a car accident. For prevention ideas for young athletes, see our youth sports injury prevention guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen. If the head injury happened in the last few days, get a medical evaluation first and mention the date of the injury when you call.