The Connection Between Concussions and Parkinson’s Disease

Around 1.7 million Americans experience head injuries every year, most of which are concussions. Most people think of a concussion as a short-term injury; you hit your head, feel dizzy or foggy, rest for a while, and expect life to return to normal. In many cases, that’s exactly what happens, but sometimes there could be more to it.

Researchers continue to study the connection between traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, and Parkinson’s disease. Understanding this link helps you take head injuries seriously, watch for symptoms, and get the right care early.

Having a concussion doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop Parkinson’s, and most people who have a concussion never do. However, studies suggest that head injuries may increase the risk for Parkinson’s in some people, especially when they happen repeatedly or involve loss of consciousness.

At Memphis Neurology, we look at the bigger picture, especially if you’ve had more than one concussion or notice new neurological symptoms months or years later.

Concussion explained

A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a blow, jolt, or sudden movement causes your brain to shift inside your skull. This can disrupt normal brain function, even though imaging tests like CT scans may appear normal.

After a concussion, you might notice symptoms like:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Brain fog
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Balance issues

Some symptoms appear right away, while others show up hours or days later. Many people recover within a few weeks, but some experience longer-lasting problems called post-concussion syndrome.

A single mild concussion usually doesn’t lead to serious long-term problems for most people. However, risk may rise when someone has repeated concussions, more severe head injuries, or injuries that involve loss of consciousness.

Parkinson’s disease explained

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and movement. It develops when certain brain cells that produce dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control smooth, coordinated movement) become damaged or die.

Parkinson’s typically develops slowly and often in later life. Early signs seem mild at first, so it may not be apparent that they’re due to a neurological condition rather than the effects of aging. Common symptoms include:

• Tremor, often in one hand
• Stiff muscles
• Slower movement
• Balance problems
• Smaller handwriting
• Softer speech
• Altered gait
• Sleep changes
• Constipation
• Loss of smell
• Mood changes

Parkinson’s doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people have tremors early, while others first notice stiffness, slowness, or balance problems.

How concussions relate to Parkinson’s disease

Researchers believe head trauma may trigger changes in the brain that increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease for some people. A concussion can cause inflammation, damage nerve pathways, and affect how brain cells repair themselves. Repeated injuries place extra stress on the brain over time.

Parkinson’s disease involves a protein called alpha-synuclein, which can collect in brain cells and interfere with normal function. TBIs may contribute to this process in certain people. TBIs also reduce levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key marker for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

Again, a concussion doesn’t directly cause Parkinson’s in a simple one-to-one way —genetics, age, environment, overall health, and injury history all play a role. So you don’t need to assume the worst if you’ve had a concussion, but you also shouldn’t ignore new neurological symptoms.

When to see a neurologist

You should seek urgent medical care after a head injury if you have worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, weakness, trouble speaking, severe drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.

You should schedule a neurological evaluation if concussion symptoms don’t improve or if you notice changes later, such as:

• New tremors
• Trouble walking
• Frequent falls
• Muscle stiffness
• Slower movements
• Ongoing dizziness
• Memory or thinking problems
• Changes in mood or sleep

We review your injury history, perform a neurological exam, and recommend testing when needed. We also look for other possible causes, since many conditions can cause tremors, dizziness, balance changes, or memory concerns.

How to protect your brain

You can’t prevent every accident, but you can lower your risk of head injury. Wear a helmet when biking, riding horses, skating, playing contact sports, or using certain equipment. Use seat belts every time you ride in a vehicle. Make your home safer by reducing fall hazards, improving lighting, and using handrails when needed.

If you play sports, don’t return to play too soon after a concussion. Your brain needs proper recovery time and a second injury before full healing can cause more serious problems.

Good overall health also supports your brain. Regular exercise, enough sleep, balanced nutrition, and management of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea all matter.

If you’ve had a concussion and you’re worried about new or ongoing symptoms, call Memphis Neurology or complete the online inquiry form.