What is a Subconcussive Head Injury?

A subconcussive head injury refers to a type of head trauma that is less severe than a full-blown concussion but still causes some level of impact on the brain. Unlike a concussion, which typically involves obvious symptoms and is often diagnosed following a head injury, subconcussive injuries are more subtle and may not immediately result in noticeable symptoms.

Subconcussive head injuries are characterized by a rapid acceleration-deceleration of the brain inside the skull, leading to slight stretching and deformation of brain tissues. These injuries can occur in various activities and sports, particularly those with a high risk of head impacts or repetitive head trauma. Some examples of activities associated with subconcussive injuries are contact sports or any activity where “minor” repetitive head trauma is occurring. One specific example of this that many may not think of is gymnastics.

Another area where individuals are at risk for subconcussive impacts is within the military.

The concern with subconcussive head injuries is that even though they may not cause immediate symptoms, they can still lead to cumulative damage to the brain over time. Repetitive subconcussive impacts have been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative condition associated with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes. This also provides links to how some suffer from PCS like symptoms and experience without a direct related event.

Research on subconcussive head injuries and their long-term effects is ongoing, and there is still much to learn about the thresholds for injury and the best strategies for prevention and management.