When a Concussion “Heals”, Is the Brain Really Back to Normal?

  One of the most striking points for a talk I attended this semester on concussion was the idea that recovery is not always as complete as it seems. Dr. Jennifer Krizman explained that even after someone is medically cleared and their symptoms have resolved, subtle effects on the brain function, especially memory, can persist. This challenged the common assumption that once a concussion is “healed”, the brain automatically returns to its pre-injury state.  This idea has become increasingly relevant in recent years as concussion awareness has increased. Current research supports this, underscoring that individuals who have had concussions may still experience issues with memory, attention, processing speed, and sleep. Even “mild” concussions can lead to lingering effects years after the injury ( Denworth, 2024). This article also highlights research showing structural changes in the brain long after the concussion, supporting that the traditional symptom-based evaluations aren...