The 6 Types of Concussions—and Why It Matters for Your Recovery

Posted on February 12, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

When it comes to concussions, most people assume there’s only one kind. You get hit in the head, you feel dizzy or confused, and you’re told to rest. But that’s just part of the story. The truth is, not all concussions are the same—and if you’ve been trying to recover without understanding which type you have, you may be unintentionally slowing your progress.

I’ve seen this happen too often. A client reaches out, frustrated that their symptoms aren’t going away. They’ve rested. They’ve stopped exercising. They’ve avoided screens. And yet, they still feel off. The reason? They never identified what type of concussion they were dealing with.

That’s why this breakdown is so important. Knowing which of the six types of concussions you’re experiencing allows me to create a more accurate, effective recovery plan. Keep reading to learn the key differences—and why they matter.

Understanding Why Concussion Types Matter

Every concussion affects the brain differently. Depending on which area of the brain is impacted, the symptoms, challenges, and treatment strategies vary. That’s why I never rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. When I evaluate someone for post-concussion care, the first step is to determine the dominant concussion type—or types—they’re facing.

Some people may only deal with one type, while others experience a mix. By identifying the specific kind of dysfunction, I can target the systems that need support and speed up the healing process.

Let’s take a closer look at the six main types.

1. Cognitive Concussion: The Thinking Struggles

This is one of the most common forms I see. A cognitive concussion affects your ability to think clearly, process information, and retain memories. It can feel like your brain is constantly lagging behind everything else around you.

Clients with this type often tell me:

• “I can’t focus on anything.”
• “Reading takes forever.”
• “I forget things I just said or heard.”

This type often affects students and professionals the most because it directly interferes with learning, decision-making, and communication. If you're constantly rereading the same sentence or struggling to follow conversations, your cognitive systems may be affected.

To support recovery, I create programs that reduce cognitive overload, reintroduce structured thinking exercises, and gradually rebuild stamina for mental tasks. Simply resting isn’t enough—this type demands focused retraining of the brain’s executive functions.

2. Vestibular Concussion: The Balance Disruptor

The vestibular system controls balance, spatial awareness, and how your eyes and body coordinate with each other. A vestibular concussion throws all of that off.

If you feel:

• Off-balance when walking
• Dizzy in busy environments
• Unsteady on stairs or uneven ground

...you may be dealing with this type.

I’ve had clients who said, “I feel like I’m walking on a boat,” even when standing still. Others avoid crowded spaces like grocery stores because the movement around them triggers intense dizziness or confusion.

Vestibular rehab involves specific eye and head movement drills to retrain your brain’s coordination systems. Without this type of therapy, symptoms can linger for months—or longer.

3. Ocular Concussion: The Visual Challenge

Your eyes work together to process the world in front of you. After a concussion, that teamwork can fall apart. This is especially true in an ocular concussion, where your visual system gets disrupted.

Typical symptoms include:

• Difficulty tracking moving objects
• Blurry or double vision
• Fatigue from reading or screen use
• Headaches triggered by visual tasks

People often don’t realize they have this type because standard eye exams don’t always catch the issue. You might see 20/20 but still struggle with tasks that involve visual coordination.

In my concussion programs, I include vision retraining strategies to improve tracking, focusing, and depth perception. Addressing these problems early can dramatically improve your comfort and confidence in daily activities.

4. Post-Traumatic Migraine Concussion: The Pain Amplifier

This type of concussion shows up with intense, throbbing headaches. But it’s more than just pain—post-traumatic migraines also bring sensitivity to light, noise, and even smells. They can be debilitating.

I often hear:

• “The light makes my head explode.”
• “I can’t think when the pain hits.”
• “I have to lie down in a dark room.”

These aren’t ordinary headaches. They’re neurological and require specific strategies to manage inflammation, calm the nervous system, and reduce triggers.

I help clients learn how to identify patterns, build consistent routines, and use exercise or breathwork to manage this type over time. While medications can help in some cases, non-pharmaceutical tools are often just as effective when customized properly.

5. Anxiety and Mood Concussion: The Emotional Undercurrent

This type doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it can be just as disruptive as any physical symptom. Emotional changes after a concussion are real—and they’re caused by neurological disruption, not just psychological stress.

Signs include:

• Sudden anxiety or panic
• Mood swings or irritability
• Feeling hopeless or unmotivated
• Trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts

One of the hardest parts of this type is that it’s invisible. You might seem fine on the outside, but inside, everything feels out of control. Others might not take you seriously, which only adds to the frustration.

I create recovery plans that include emotional regulation techniques, mindfulness tools, and daily structure. For some, professional mental health support is also part of the path—and I always encourage it when needed.

6. Cervical Concussion: The Hidden Neck Injury

Sometimes, the concussion symptoms people experience aren’t just from the brain—they’re coming from the neck. A cervical concussion stems from strain or injury to the neck and spine during the event that caused the head injury.

This type can mimic other concussions with:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Nausea

But the root issue lies in muscle tension, nerve irritation, and spinal alignment. If I suspect this type, I focus on posture correction, mobility work, and gentle movement therapy to relieve pressure and restore function.

Ignoring cervical issues can lead to long-term discomfort and misdiagnosis. That’s why a full evaluation matters before jumping into any rehab program.

What Happens When You Have More Than One Type?

It’s rare for a concussion to fall neatly into one category. Most of the clients I work with experience a blend of types. For example, someone might have visual issues and anxiety. Another person may deal with cognitive fog and headaches.

That’s why I take time during the initial evaluation to test multiple systems. I look at balance, eye movement, reaction time, emotional regulation, and physical function—all within a single telehealth session.

Once I understand your dominant types, I build a step-by-step plan to restore each system at a pace your brain can handle. My goal is never to overwhelm you. It’s to support steady, complete recovery using targeted strategies that actually match your needs.

Why the “Rest and Wait” Approach Doesn’t Work for Everyone

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Just take it easy.” But if you’ve been trying that for weeks or months without improvement, something is missing. Rest is important—but it’s not the full answer.

Each concussion type requires specific attention. If you're struggling with visual overload, rest alone won’t fix your eye coordination. If your mood is out of balance, avoiding activity might make things worse. That’s why I take a personalized approach with every client.

AthletIQ Sports Rehab isn’t just about helping you feel better—it's about helping you function better. That means returning to work, school, fitness, and daily life with full clarity and control.

What I Do Differently

I provide 100% online concussion evaluations and rehabilitation plans that you can access from home—no waiting rooms, no guesswork. My clients get:

• A personalized rehab program based on your concussion type(s)
• Continuous engagement and feedback
• Baseline testing (for athletes and teams)
• 24/7 access to symptom tracking and support tools

My goal is to offer the kind of sports medicine care I wish more people had access to. You shouldn’t have to live in a big city or wait for a specialist to take your symptoms seriously. I’m here to change that—one client at a time.

If you’ve been dealing with lingering symptoms, uncertainty, or frustration, it’s time to take the next step. I’ll help you identify your concussion type and create a recovery path that finally makes sense. Call me now at ‪(425) 248-0315 or send an email to [email protected]. You don’t have to keep guessing. You just need the right guidance—and I’m here to provide it.