Concussion in North Carolina

Concussions have been documented since ancient times, though early descriptions often came from the battlefield. Hippocrates described symptoms resembling mild traumatic brain injury over 2,000 years ago. In the 19th century, railway accidents gave rise to the diagnosis of “railway spine,” a condition with many concussion-like features. The 20th century saw greater awareness as athletes in boxing, football, and hockey experienced repeated head injuries, leading to long-term consequences. Today, concussion management is an interdisciplinary field combining neurology, rehabilitation, and conservative care. Standard treatment emphasizes rest, gradual return to activity, and therapies to address lingering symptoms. Approaches such as cranial sacral therapy and rehabilitation can complement traditional medical oversight, helping patients regain balance and clarity.