Headaches and dizziness are among the most common symptoms reported after a concussion, and for many families on the Mornington Peninsula, they are also the most confusing to manage. Do you rest completely, or gently get moving again? Is it safe to go back to school, training or the football, netball or cricket field while these symptoms linger?
This post looks at why these symptoms occur, how they typically evolve during recovery, and what junior sports players, parents and coaches around McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye should know about managing them safely on the path back to normal activity.
Why headaches and dizziness happen after a concussion
A concussion is a functional brain injury, meaning it disrupts how brain cells communicate rather than causing visible structural damage on a scan. This disruption can affect the balance system, blood flow regulation and the neck, all of which contribute to headache and dizziness symptoms. In many cases, the neck itself is also involved, since the forces that cause a concussion frequently affect the cervical spine and surrounding muscles at the same time.
Because there are several possible contributing systems, no two people experience these symptoms in quite the same way. Some notice a dull, pressure-like headache that worsens with screen use or noise. Others feel light-headed or unsteady when standing up quickly or turning their head. Understanding which system is driving the symptoms is an important part of guiding recovery.
What a gradual recovery generally looks like
Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, though this varies from person to person. Recognised concussion guidelines, including those used in Australian community and elite sport, emphasise an initial short period of relative rest followed by a gradual, symptom-guided return to daily activities, school and eventually sport. Pushing through significant symptoms too early, or resting for far longer than needed, can both potentially slow recovery.
A structured approach typically involves small, manageable increases in activity while monitoring how headaches and dizziness respond. If symptoms flare up significantly, it’s usually a sign to step back slightly rather than stop altogether. This is where individualised assessment and monitoring, such as through concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula, can help track progress and support informed decisions along the way.
Practical strategies for managing symptoms day to day
While every recovery is individual, families often find the following general strategies helpful when navigating persistent headaches or dizziness:
- Break up screen time, reading and schoolwork into shorter blocks with regular breaks
- Stay hydrated and maintain regular, consistent sleep patterns
- Introduce light, symptom-guided physical activity such as walking, rather than complete inactivity
- Avoid environments with bright lights, loud noise or crowds until tolerance improves
- Keep a simple daily note of symptom triggers and severity to share with your treating practitioner
These strategies are general guidance only and are not a substitute for individual assessment, particularly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or not settling within the expected timeframe.
The role of the neck in ongoing symptoms
For headaches and dizziness that persist beyond the initial days, the neck is worth specific attention. The rapid movement involved in a concussive event, whether from a knock during football, a fall in netball, or a collision in basketball, often places strain on the joints and muscles of the upper neck. This can contribute to headaches that feel similar to concussion symptoms but are driven more by the cervical spine than the brain itself.
Osteopathic assessment can help identify whether neck dysfunction is contributing to ongoing headaches or dizziness, and gentle, hands-on treatment may support more comfortable movement as recovery progresses. You can read more about this approach on our osteopathy page, or browse the broader range of conditions we treat at our McCrae clinic.
Return-to-play and return-to-learn: a staged process
Before any young athlete returns to contact or competitive sport, guidelines such as those from the AFL and the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework recommend a graded, stepwise process. This generally moves from light aerobic activity, through sport-specific movement and non-contact training, before progressing to full contact and match play, with each stage requiring the athlete to remain symptom-free.
Return-to-learn follows a similar staged principle for school and study demands. Rushing either process, particularly while headaches or dizziness are still present, may increase the risk of prolonged symptoms. Ongoing concussion testing throughout this process can help clinicians, families and coaches make more informed, individualised decisions about readiness at each stage, rather than relying on how an athlete simply “feels” on a given day.
When to seek professional guidance
Persistent or worsening headaches and dizziness after a concussion warrant professional review. This is especially important if symptoms are affecting sleep, school performance, mood, or if they are not gradually improving over one to two weeks. Local clubs and schools across the Mornington Peninsula are increasingly aware of the value of structured concussion management, and involving a practitioner trained in current concussion frameworks can help support a safer, better-informed recovery pathway.
Our osteopaths at The Seaside Osteo have undertaken training through Complete Concussions (CCMI) and can support families navigating concussion recovery, from initial assessment through to guidance on returning to sport, school and everyday activities.
Frequently asked questions
How long do headaches and dizziness usually last after a concussion?
Most people notice these symptoms improve gradually over one to two weeks, though recovery timeframes vary between individuals. If symptoms persist beyond this or are worsening, it’s worth arranging a professional assessment rather than waiting it out.
Should my child rest completely until headaches go away?
Complete prolonged rest is generally not recommended beyond the first day or two. Current concussion guidelines favour a gradual, symptom-guided return to light activity, as this tends to support recovery better than strict inactivity.
Can neck problems cause headaches that feel like concussion symptoms?
Yes, the neck is often affected alongside the brain during a concussive event, and cervical spine dysfunction can produce headaches and dizziness that closely mimic concussion symptoms. An osteopathic assessment can help identify whether the neck is a contributing factor.
When is it safe to return to sport after headaches and dizziness settle?
Return to sport should follow a staged, symptom-free process as outlined in recognised frameworks such as the AFL guidelines or Complete Concussions (CCMI), rather than being based on a single symptom-free day. Each stage should be assessed individually before progressing.
Do I need concussion testing even if symptoms seem mild?
Even mild or seemingly minor symptoms can benefit from assessment, as testing helps build a clearer picture of recovery and supports more informed decisions about school, activity and return-to-play timing rather than guesswork.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.