Physiotherapy•October 29, 2026

Concussion in Markham: Signs, Safety Steps, and Return to Activity

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can affect thinking, balance, vision, mood, sleep, and energy. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours or days. If you suspect a concussion in Markham, stop the activity, arrange an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, and seek emergency care for danger signs rather than trying to judge the injury yourself.

What is a concussion?

A concussion can happen after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. It may occur during sport, a fall, a motor-vehicle collision, or another accident. A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion, and a normal scan does not necessarily rule one out. Symptoms vary from person to person and can change during recovery.[1][3]

What are common concussion symptoms?

After an injury, watch for new or worsening symptoms. Common symptoms may affect several parts of daily life:

Headache, pressure in the head, dizziness, or balance problems
Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or changes in vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Feeling foggy, slowed down, or having trouble thinking clearly
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Irritability, anxiety, sadness, or feeling more emotional than usual
Sleeping more or less than usual, or having difficulty falling asleep

Symptoms can be subtle and may not be noticed right away. A family member, coach, teacher, or co-worker may notice changes before the injured person does.[1]

When is a concussion an emergency?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department after a head injury if there is a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness or inability to wake, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, reduced coordination, increasing confusion or agitation, inability to recognize people or places, one pupil larger than the other, or double vision. These warning signs can indicate a more serious brain injury and should not wait for a clinic appointment.[1][3]

What should I do if I suspect a concussion?

Stop the activity and remove the person from sport, work, or another situation where another impact could occur. Arrange a medical assessment, especially for a child, teen, athlete, or anyone taking medication that may affect bleeding risk. Do not return to sport on the same day when a concussion is suspected, and do not use a self-assessment to decide that it is safe to continue.[2]

During recovery, follow the instructions of the assessing healthcare professional. A short period of relative rest may be recommended, followed by a gradual return to school, work, exercise, and sport as symptoms allow and as the plan is supervised. If an activity makes symptoms worse, reduce the demand and seek guidance rather than pushing through it.[3]

How can physiotherapy support a return to activity?

Once a concussion has been assessed and urgent concerns have been ruled out, rehabilitation may involve education, symptom-aware activity planning, balance and movement assessment, and a gradual progression toward the demands of work, school, or sport. The right plan depends on the person’s symptoms, medical history, goals, and response to activity. Physiotherapy does not replace emergency assessment or a physician’s concussion diagnosis.

Markham Pain Clinic offers a Return to Work / Play program focused on structured rehabilitation after injury. Contact the clinic to ask whether an assessment is appropriate for your situation; the team can direct urgent concerns to emergency care when needed.[4]

Frequently asked questions

Can you have a concussion without passing out?

Yes. Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion. New symptoms after a bump, blow, or jolt should be taken seriously and assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.[1]

Can I return to sports the same day?

No. If a concussion is suspected, stop participation and do not return to sport on the day of injury. Return should happen gradually and only with approval and supervision from an appropriate healthcare professional.[2]

Where can I ask about concussion rehabilitation in Markham?

Markham Pain Clinic is located at 8312 McCowan Rd, Suite #206, Markham, ON L3P 8E1. Call 905-470-2626, use the contact page, or request an appointment through the clinic’s booking page.[5]

Sources

Health information only: This article is for education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for emergency or medical care. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for concussion danger signs. Treatment and return-to-activity decisions should be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources [1] https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/signs-symptoms [2] https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/response [3] https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/concussion [4] https://www.markhampain.com/services/return-to-work-play [5] https://www.markhampain.com/contact