What are Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms?
Most people recover from a concussion within 2–4 weeks, but for some, symptoms persist for weeks or months. When concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period, this is known as Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) or Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Persistent symptoms do not necessarily mean there is ongoing damage to the brain. Instead, they often result from a combination of factors affecting different body systems, including the vestibular (balance) system, vision, neck, nervous system and exercise tolerance. Identifying which systems are contributing to your symptoms is essential for effective treatment.
Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, visual disturbances, fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, memory difficulties, sensitivity to light or noise, sleep disturbances and difficulty returning to work, education, exercise or sport.
With the right assessment and targeted rehabilitation, most people with PPCS can make significant improvements and return to the activities they enjoy.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Persistent post-concussion symptoms require an individualised approach. At Greenacre Physio, we carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific factors contributing to your ongoing symptoms before developing a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Treatment may include:
- Comprehensive post-concussion assessment
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Cervical spine (neck) rehabilitation
- Balance and coordination training
- Vision and eye movement rehabilitation
- Graded aerobic exercise programmes
- Headache management strategies
- Fatigue and pacing education
- Symptom management and recovery education
- Return to work, education and driving advice
- Graduated return to sport where appropriate
- Personalised home exercise programmes
Our aim is to address the underlying causes of your symptoms rather than simply treating the symptoms themselves.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
Persistent concussion rehabilitation is one of Greenacre Physio's specialist services. Our clinicians have extensive experience managing complex concussion presentations through specialist NHS concussion services, neurological rehabilitation and elite sport.
Our Clinical Director has worked within the National Sports Concussion Service at Cambridge University Hospitals, assessing and treating people with prolonged concussion symptoms from both sporting and non-sporting injuries. We also have extensive experience supporting athletes through UK Athletics and Team GB American Football, while recognising that persistent concussion symptoms affect people from all walks of life.
By combining detailed assessment with evidence-based rehabilitation, we help identify the factors delaying your recovery and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you return to work, education, exercise and everyday life.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through virtual consultations where appropriate.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will involve a detailed discussion about your injury, current symptoms, medical history and recovery to date. We will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your:
- Vestibular (balance) system
- Eye movements and vision
- Neck function
- Balance and walking
- Exercise tolerance
- Neurological function
- Functional activities and personal goals
Following your assessment, we will explain which systems are contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. Your treatment will be reviewed regularly and progressed as your recovery continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for concussion symptoms to last for months?
Although most people recover within a few weeks, a proportion experience symptoms for longer. Persistent symptoms are recognised and treatable, particularly when the underlying causes are identified through a specialist assessment.
Does persistent concussion mean my brain is permanently damaged?
No. Persistent symptoms do not usually indicate ongoing brain damage. They are often related to dysfunction in systems such as the vestibular system, neck, vision or exercise tolerance, all of which can be addressed through targeted rehabilitation.
I've had normal scans. Can physiotherapy still help?
Yes. CT and MRI scans are often normal after a concussion. Physiotherapy focuses on identifying functional problems that do not appear on imaging but can significantly affect recovery.
Can I still recover if my concussion happened months or even years ago?
Yes. Many people continue to improve with specialist rehabilitation, even if symptoms have been present for several months or longer. Recovery may take time, but targeted treatment can still make a meaningful difference.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, neurologists, sports physicians, consultants, insurers and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you're still experiencing symptoms following a concussion, you don't have to manage them alone. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics or arrange a virtual consultation with one of our experienced concussion physiotherapists.
A specialist assessment can help identify why your recovery has stalled and provide a clear rehabilitation plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Common Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms We Treat
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Balance problems
- Neck pain
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")
- Memory difficulties
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Exercise intolerance
- Anxiety related to ongoing symptoms
- Difficulties returning to work, education, driving or sport
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms?
Persistent post-concussion symptoms are rarely caused by a single problem. Successful rehabilitation requires understanding how the brain, vestibular system, vision, neck and nervous system interact following a concussion.
At Greenacre Physio, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based concussion assessments to identify the factors preventing your recovery. Our Clinical Director has specialist experience working within the National Sports Concussion Service at Cambridge University Hospitals, alongside roles with UK Athletics and Team GB American Football, giving us extensive expertise in managing both straightforward and complex concussion presentations.
Using the latest international concussion guidelines, we create personalised rehabilitation programmes designed to reduce symptoms, restore function and help you safely return to work, education, sport and everyday life. Our goal is not just to help you feel better—but to help you recover with confidence and return to the activities that matter most.