The Hidden Concussion: Why Even Small Head Impacts Matter

WRITTEN BY NADJA BLANC

When people come into the clinic for the first time, one of the questions we always ask is

about previous trauma.

Very often, the answer is “No.” But when we then ask more specifically—Have you ever

been in a car accident? Had a fall? Played contact sports?—the answer suddenly changes

to “Yes.”

This highlights a major misunderstanding about trauma. For many people, it only counts if

there was blood, a broken bone, severe pain, or a hospital visit. When it comes to head

injuries and concussions, this belief can be especially problematic.

Even impacts that seem minor at the time can have effects that show up much later.

Why small head impacts can matter

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves form the body’s master control system. Because these

structures are so delicate, the body has built in layers of protection.

 The skull and spine protect the nervous system

 The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cushions the brain, delivers nutrients, and removes

waste

An important and often surprising fact is that the skull is not one solid bone. It is made up of

22 bones that are designed to move subtly with every breath, helping to pump fluid around

the brain and spinal cord.

What happens during a head impact?

When the head experiences an impact—through a fall, collision, or whiplash—the issue is

not just the point of contact.

Rapid acceleration and deceleration place stress on the upper neck. Ligaments can be

injured, and deeper brain structures, including the brainstem, may be affected. Openings at

the base of the skull—where important nerves and blood vessels pass through—can also

become restricted.

This may:

 Reduce healthy blood flow

 Impair the drainage of blood and waste products

 Increase pressure inside the skull

Because these changes are often subtle, many concussions go unnoticed.

Possible long-term effects

Symptoms do not always appear immediately and are not always painful典like pain. Depending on which areas are affected, people may experience:

• Headaches or neck pain

• Brain fog, fatigue, or poor concentration

• Memory changes

• Reduced stress tolerance or mood changes

Restrictions in the skull can also influence the rest of the body, contributing over time to compensations in the spine, pelvis, and hips.

Common causes of hidden head trauma

Many people recognise at least one of these:

• Falls (including childhood bike accidents)

• Road traffic accidents, even low-speed ones

• Contact or collision sports (rugby, football, ice hockey, mountain biking)

• Horse riding

• The birth process, especially when assisted or complicated

How cranial work may help

Cranial work, provided by chiropractors and osteopaths with additional training, aims to support the natural movement of the skull and upper neck.

This can help improve circulation and fluid drainage around the brain, giving the nervous system a better environment to regulate and recover.

A final thought

If you have a history of head impacts—no matter how minor they seemed—or know someone who does, it may be worth getting checked.

Many concussions remain hidden not because they are insignificant, but because we were never taught what to look for. This understanding also forms the foundation of the upcoming workshop, where concussion, brain health, and recovery will be explored in more depth.

References : 

HOWAT, J. (2022) Dislocated brain: A new perspective. S.l.: SHAKSPEARE EDITORIAL.