The Truth About Concussions and Intelligence: Debunking the Myths
Misconceptions about concussions are still deeply rooted in both public opinion, the media and certain clinical environments. One of the most damaging beliefs is the notion that concussions can permanently lower a person’s intelligence. For anyone, who’s at the front lines of concussion management, addressing this belief is more than a talking point—it’s a matter of education, treatment planning, and long-term care.
Understanding what a concussion is, how it affects the brain, and what it doesn’t affect is essential to protecting athletes from stigma, inappropriate restrictions, and avoidable stress. Let’s take a closer look at what the research actually says about concussions and cognitive ability—and where the real risks lie.
What Is a Concussion, and How Does It Affect the Brain?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can lead to a range of functional neurological symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, and cognitive disruptions.
From a clinical standpoint, these symptoms are typically short-lived and resolve with proper management. Concussions affect how the brain functions temporarily—but they do not equate to brain damage or loss of intelligence. Intelligence, or IQ, is a broad and stable cognitive trait, and it is not something easily diminished by a single concussion.
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One of the most compelling studies to dismantle the IQ myth was conducted on children aged 8 to 16. Researchers compared IQ scores of kids diagnosed with concussions to those who had suffered orthopedic injuries. After three months, there were no significant differences in IQ scores between the two groups. This finding strongly supports the idea that a single concussion does not impact a child’s intellectual capacity (source).
For athletic trainers working in high schools or youth leagues, this data is particularly valuable. Many parents worry that a concussion could derail their child’s academic future. Clinicians and athletic staff can now confidently reassure families that while concussions should be taken seriously, there is no evidence to suggest long-term reductions in intelligence as a result of a single event.
What About Long-Term Cognitive Function?
While a single concussion may not affect intelligence, multiple concussions carry different risks. There are limited studies on the long term affects of concussions. However, a study published by the University of Oxford evaluated individuals with a history of three or more concussions and found declines in attention span, working memory, and processing speed—especially in later life. Four or more concussions were associated with even more significant cognitive impairments (source).
These findings don’t suggest that intelligence itself is diminished, but they do highlight that repeated injuries can compromise brain function over time, especially in domains like complex task completion and mental flexibility. For college athletic trainers and team physicians, it is imperative to stay aware of the limitations of research studies and understand that each individual athlete will have a unique needs and their management should be multi-disiplinary.
Concussions and Cognitive Resilience in Older Adults
Adding a surprising twist to this conversation, a large-scale study analyzing data from over 15,000 adults aged 50 to 90 revealed that individuals with a history of sports-related concussions performed slightly better on memory and reasoning tasks than those with no concussion history (source).
This may suggest that cognitive outcomes post-concussion are influenced by lifestyle, mental activity, and physical health more than the concussion itself. It also supports a growing body of research indicating that neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire—is a protective factor, especially in individuals with high baseline cognitive function and supportive environments.
From a rehabilitation perspective, this underscores the importance of not just treating the concussion, but promoting overall brain health through physical activity, cognitive engagement, and mental health support. For physical therapists and rehabilitation teams, it's a reminder that our approach must be holistic—not in buzzwords, but in patient-specific, evidence-informed care.
Short-Term Cognitive Changes: What’s Normal?
Though concussions do not damage intelligence, they can cause temporary disruptions in cognitive function. A systematic review in the Orthopedic Education and Innovation Journal concluded that sports-related concussions often result in deficits in verbal memory, visual memory, processing speed, executive function, and reaction time—though most of these resolve within days to weeks, especially with early intervention and appropriate rest (source).
These temporary deficits should not be mistaken for permanent loss. They are more like the brain’s “reboot” process after an unexpected shutdown—unsettling, yes, but usually not lasting. For athletic directors and clinicians alike, these findings reinforce the need for structured, evidence-aligned return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols that emphasize gradual reintroduction of cognitive and physical demands.
Persistent Symptoms and Clinical Considerations
While most individuals recover fully, a small percentage experience persistent concussion symptoms—ranging from ongoing headaches and light sensitivity to problems with memory or emotional regulation. Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that repetitive concussions can increase the risk for long-term cognitive changes, neurobehavioral conditions, and even neurodegenerative diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) (source).
These risks reinforce the need for comprehensive management plans that extend beyond initial symptom resolution. Athletic trainers often serve as the primary point of contact for recognizing persistent symptoms and facilitating referrals. Their role is not just preventive but relational—guiding athletes and families through potentially misunderstood post-injury experiences.
Real-World Application: What This Means for Sports Programs
From the sidelines to the clinic, the goal of concussion management is not just to protect athletes from further injury—but to give them accurate, compassionate, and informed guidance. Dispelling myths around intelligence and concussions helps remove barriers to recovery and keeps student-athletes from being unfairly labeled or limited.
Program success includes creating a culture of trust where parents, coaches, and athletes know that health decisions are grounded in research and aligned with best practices. Tools like Sway, which offer baseline testing, symptom tracking, and evidence-informed protocols, are valuable in building that trust—especially when paired with education that directly addresses common fears and misconceptions.
Key Takeaways
Concussions do not reduce IQ. This has been consistently demonstrated across pediatric and adult populations in recent studies.
Short-term cognitive deficits are common but generally resolve within weeks.
Multiple concussions can result in cumulative cognitive challenges, especially when not properly managed.
Persistent symptoms warrant careful monitoring and multi-disciplinary intervention.
Athletic trainers and physical therapists play a critical role in identifying risks, educating stakeholders, and supporting safe recovery.
Concussion management is as much about communication as it is about care. Let’s make sure that communication is grounded in facts, not fear—and that every athlete gets the support they need to recover with confidence.
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We’re here to support your commitment to athlete health—every step of the way.
