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Victor Wembanyama’s Concussion – What to Know About Recovery

A medium shot of Victor Wembanyama on the basketball court.

Health & Wellness

Victor Wembanyama has returned to the San Antonio Spurs after recovering from a concussion, bringing attention to an injury that affects athletes and non-athletes alike. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and proper recovery steps is key to healing safely.

What’s a Concussion and What Are the Symptoms?

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or strong bump to the head. Common signs include headaches, feeling sick to your stomach, blurry vision, and being sensitive to light or noise. Some people may also feel confused, very tired, agitated, moody, and have trouble focusing.

What most patients don’t expect with a concussion is how bad the dizziness can be. Often when the brain is injured, we also injure the inner ear, which can cause severe dizziness. While this symptom may get better with time, a doctor might recommend dizziness exercises to help alleviate any discomfort.

When is it Safe to Return to Sports After a Concussion?

When it comes to going back to sports, it’s important to take it slow. Doctors usually follow something called a return-to-play protocol, which means you rest first, then slowly get back to regular activities.
You should only return to sports when:

  • You feel completely better.
  • Exercise doesn’t bring symptoms back.
  • A doctor says it’s okay.

If you go back too soon, it can be dangerous and lead to more serious problems, like second-impact syndrome, which is when the brain swells after a second concussion before symptoms from an initial injury subside completely. Treating a concussion mostly means giving your brain time to heal.

The first step is rest. This includes both your body and your mind, so no sports, heavy activity, or too much screen time, reading, or studying at first. As you start to feel better, you can slowly go back to your normal routine.

Some simple ways to help recovery:

  • Follow a step-by-step plan like the return-to-play protocol.
  • Use mild pain medicine like acetaminophen, if needed.
  • Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated.
  • Avoid bright lights and loud noise if they bother you.

If symptoms last a long time, a doctor might suggest therapy to help with balance, vision, or other issues. Get medical help right away if things get worse, like strong headaches, repeated vomiting, confusion, or trouble waking up.

Pierre.berendes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons