Trusted Concussion Care & Treatment
Post-Concussion Headache Recovery in West Fargo
At Transcend Headache Clinic, we specialize in post-concussion headache recovery — from baseline testing to post-injury evaluation and treatment. Whether you’re an athlete, student, or professional, our neurology-trained specialists create personalized care plans to relieve pain, restore function, and support safe, confident healing.
Understanding Concussions
What Happens During a Concussion
A concussion occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull — stretching or irritating nerve fibers and disrupting normal communication between brain cells. This temporary dysfunction triggers an energy crisis in the brain, as blood flow and oxygen levels drop while inflammation increases.
These changes are what cause post-concussion headaches and related symptoms such as light sensitivity, pressure, and mental fatigue. Even if imaging looks “normal,” brain chemistry and function can remain disrupted for days to weeks.
Early assessment helps guide safe recovery and prevent complications like post-concussion syndrome (PCS) — when headaches and other symptoms persist beyond the typical healing window.
Read more about post-concussion headaches, including testing, treatment, recovery and safe return.
Know When to Get Checked
When to See a Concussion Specialist
Not every bump to the head leads to a concussion — but when symptoms linger, worsen, or change, it’s time to get evaluated. Early care helps prevent long-term complications like post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and persistent headaches.
In fact, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, post-traumatic headaches develop in 30–70% of people following a concussion. Early evaluation ensures these headaches are properly diagnosed and treated before they become chronic.
Red Flags for Concussions
Even brief confusion or loss of awareness can indicate a concussion. Memory gaps, disorientation, or delayed response time are also warning signs.
Severe or increasing head pain, repeated vomiting, or pressure that intensifies over time may signal a more serious injury requiring immediate attention.
Blurred or double vision, speech difficulty, or imbalance can point to neurological involvement and should never be ignored.
Trouble concentrating, irritability, anxiety, or mood swings can all appear after a concussion. These emotional symptoms are part of brain recovery and deserve care, not dismissal.
If symptoms persist — including dizziness, fatigue, or sensitivity to light and noise — schedule an evaluation. Early treatment shortens recovery and prevents chronic issues.
Even mild concussions can disrupt brain function and delay healing. When in doubt, it’s best to get checked — early evaluation supports faster recovery, safer return to activity, and peace of mind.
The Brain’s Hidden Recovery Timeline
After a concussion, brain energy levels drop dramatically and can take 22–45 days to return to normal — even if symptoms fade sooner. That’s why close monitoring and guided recovery are essential. Source: Complete Concussions
Pre-Injury Protection
Baseline Concussion Testing for Athletes & Students
Before a concussion ever happens, a baseline test gives valuable insight into how your brain functions at its healthiest — measuring memory, balance, reaction time, and vision. If an injury occurs, this test becomes your personal benchmark — allowing providers to compare your “before” and “after” results to guide safe, confident recovery.
Because symptoms alone aren’t always reliable, a baseline test gives athletes, parents, and coaches a “you vs. you” comparison — the most accurate way to determine when it’s truly safe to return to play, school, or work.
Baseline testing is recommended before the start of each sport season — for example, before football, basketball, baseball, hockey, or any activity where head impact risk is possible.
The bottom line? Establishing your baseline now can make all the difference after an injury.
What’s Included: Baseline Concussion Testing
Our baseline concussion testing takes ~30 minutes and provides a comprehensive look at your brain’s normal function before injury, measuring critical areas of performance that may change after a concussion.
The test includes:
- Cognitive and memory assessments — evaluating processing speed, attention, and recall.
- Balance and coordination screening — detecting subtle postural changes that may follow a head impact.
- Vision and oculomotor testing — measuring eye tracking and focus to identify concussion-related disruption.
- Postural stability and reaction time measures — assessing physical control and responsiveness.
Recommended for: youth and collegiate athletes, or anyone participating in activities with potential head-impact risk.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Download the Concussion Tracker App
Monitor symptoms, track recovery, and stay connected with your care team — all in one secure app. Simply download the app, create an account, and select Transcend Headache Clinic as your clinic.
From Impact to Recovery
The Post-Concussion Care Process
Every concussion recovery is unique. At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists use a clear, step-by-step process to identify the source of your symptoms and guide safe, lasting healing.
Step 1: Post-Injury Assessment
Post-Concussion Evaluation
At Transcend Headache Clinic, our post-concussion evaluations compare baseline testing results (when available) and assess all factors that influence recovery, including:
- Medical & Concussion History: Reviewing prior concussions, medical conditions, medications, and factors such as learning differences, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances that may affect recovery.
- Neurological Testing: Assessing cognition, balance, vision, and vestibular function to identify specific deficits.
- Musculoskeletal Exam: Evaluating the neck and spine for tension, range of motion, or cervicogenic headache patterns.
- Lifestyle Assessment: Reviewing sleep, hydration, nutrition, caffeine intake, and exercise to uncover triggers that may delay recovery.
Our specialists use this information to create personalized treatment plans that promote safe, complete, and lasting brain recovery.
Early evaluation within 24–48 hours of a concussion supports faster recovery and helps prevent lingering or chronic symptoms.
Step 2: Headache Classification
Post-Concussion Headache Types & Symptoms
After a concussion, headaches can take many forms — and it’s common to experience more than one type at a time. Accurate classification helps our specialists target the true source of pain and create an effective, individualized treatment plan.
At Transcend Headache Clinic, we evaluate each patient’s symptom pattern to identify the type of post-concussion headache and guide precise, evidence-based care. Common types include:
Cervicogenic Headaches
Neck or spine-related headaches often caused by muscle strain, joint irritation, or whiplash-like movements during impact.
Vision or Vestibular Headaches
Triggered by visual strain or balance system disruption and often leading to dizziness, light sensitivity, and motion-induced discomfort — especially in busy environments or with screen use.
Exertional Headaches
Brought on by physical activity or exertion due to blood flow and pressure changes. A gradual, guided return to exercise or sport helps prevent recurrence.
Tension-Type Headaches
A band-like pressure or tightness around the head, linked to stress, muscle tension, or sustained posture during recovery.
Migraines
Concussions can trigger new migraine onset or worsen pre-existing migraine patterns, causing throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Even mild head injuries can cause persistent post-concussion headaches — but with expert evaluation and tailored care, recovery is possible.
Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan
Treatment for Post-Concussion Headaches
At Transcend Headache Clinic, we create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, headache type, and recovery stage. Our goal is to relieve pain, reduce recurrence, and restore daily function safely.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Foundational changes that support brain healing, including nutrition and hydration, sleep optimization, gradual exercise, and stress management techniques.
- Supplements: Evidence-based options such as magnesium (read more), CoQ10, omega-3s, vitamin D, and curcumin may support neurological repair and reduce inflammation.
- Acute Treatments: Short-term medications, such as NSAIDs, triptans, or gepants, may be used to relieve active headache or migraine symptoms.
- Preventive Medications: For frequent or chronic headaches, options like beta-blockers, antidepressants, CGRP inhibitors, or Botox® may help reduce headache frequency and severity.
- Collaborative Therapies: We may partner with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vestibular/vision therapy to ensure comprehensive recovery.
Even when symptoms improve, the brain may still be healing — ongoing care ensures safe, lasting results.
step 4: follow-up care
Return-to-Life Concussion Protocols
Recovery doesn’t end with the first round of treatment. At our headache clinic in West Fargo, we monitor each patient’s progress closely and adjust care as symptoms improve.
Return-to-Play, Learn & Work
Recovery progresses in gradual stages — starting with rest and symptom-limited activity, then advancing to light cognitive or physical work, non-contact activity, and eventually full clearance for regular activity or sport.
Our priority is helping every patient recover fully and confidently — not just to return to play, but to return to life.
protect your future
Schedule Baseline Concussion Testing
Protect your brain before the season starts. Baseline Concussion Testing helps ensure a safer, faster recovery if a concussion occurs — and peace of mind for parents, students, coaches and athletes alike.
Call today to schedule your baseline concussion test.
Your Concussion Headache Specialists
Why Choose Transcend for Concussion Recovery
At Transcend Headache Clinic, recovery is more than symptom management — it’s about restoring your confidence, focus, and quality of life. Our team combines advanced training with a compassionate, patient-first approach to guide every step of your healing journey.
Certified Complete Concussion Management™ Clinic
As a Certified Complete Concussion Management™ clinic, we follow nationally recognized, evidence-based protocols to ensure safe, consistent care from baseline testing through recovery.
Neurology-Trained Providers
Our nurse practitioners come from neurology backgrounds and specialize exclusively in headache and migraine disorders, including post-concussion headaches.
Evidence-Based Testing & Treatment
Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific headache type and symptoms, using proven tools and therapies to promote safe, complete brain recovery.
Collaborative Approach
We collaborate with other providers, including primary care, physical therapists, vision and vestibular specialists, and other experts to ensure comprehensive support.
Recovery starts with the right team — meet the concussion specialists dedicated to helping you heal and get back to life.
“My son recently had a concussion, and she took such incredible care of him. She was extremely knowledgeable, explained everything in a way we could understand, and immediately put my mind at ease. Tiffany gave us clear, thorough protocols to follow at home, so we felt safe and confident in his recovery. What really stood out was that she went above and beyond by following up afterward to make sure he was doing okay and continuing to improve. It’s rare to find a provider who combines expertise with such genuine care, and I’m so grateful we had Tiffany by our side during this experience.”
— HANNAH z.
FAQs About Concussion Care & Post-Concussion Headaches
It’s best to be evaluated within 24–48 hours after a concussion. Early assessment helps confirm the diagnosis, identify risk factors, and prevent prolonged or worsening symptoms — especially if headaches, dizziness, or confusion develop.
Learn more about post-concussion evaluations or book your assessment with our concussion specialists in West Fargo.
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or several hours after an injury. They often include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
- Emotional changes, such as irritability or anxiety
Learn more about the concussion symptoms we treat.
Most concussions resolve within 2-4 weeks, but recovery depends on the person and the injury. Some patients experience lingering headaches, dizziness, or cognitive issues for weeks to months, known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
At Transcend Headache Clinic, we provide specialized post-concussion care for patients in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and the surrounding areas. Early evaluation and individualized care help prevent long-term complications and support a faster, safer recovery.
Schedule an appointment to get started.
A baseline concussion test measures brain function before an injury occurs, providing a personalized “snapshot” for comparison if a concussion happens. Testing at Transcend includes cognitive, balance, vision, and coordination assessments, performed in about 30 minutes by trained staff.
This proactive step supports faster, more accurate return-to-play decisions and helps protect long-term brain health.
Learn more about baseline concussion testing, or call our headache clinic at 701.809.7650 to schedule your test today.
Baseline concussion testing should be completed at the start of every sports season (or at least every 6 months) to ensure results remain accurate and reflective of your current brain function. For example, athletes should complete a new baseline test before football, basketball, and baseball season each year to account for brain development, learning, or other physical changes.
Because cognitive performance, reaction time, and balance can change over time due to growth, training, or prior injuries, regular re-testing helps establish the most reliable “before” data possible. That way, if a concussion occurs, your comparison results are current — allowing for more precise and confident return-to-play decisions.
Learn more about baseline concussion testing, or call 701.809.7650 to schedule your baseline test today.
Yes, headaches are one of the most common symptoms after a concussion. In fact, headaches occur in up to 90% of people who have symptoms from mild head injuries, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Common types of headaches following a concussion include:
- Cervicogenic headaches: Neck or spine-related pain from muscle strain or whiplash-type injury.
- Vision-related headaches: Linked to dizziness, balance issues, or screen-related eye strain.
- Exertional headaches: Brought on by physical activity or increased heart rate.
- Tension-type headaches: Band-like pressure from muscle tension or stress.
- Migraine-type headaches: Throbbing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity; concussions can trigger new migraines or worsen existing ones.
If you’re experiencing any of these after a head injury, schedule an evaluation with our post-concussion headache specialists in West Fargo.
Medication and treatment choices for post-concussion headaches depend on the headache type, frequency, and severity. At Transcend Headache Clinic, our specialists use evidence-based options to reduce pain, prevent recurrence, and support overall brain recovery.
Common treatment options include:
Acute (Rescue) Medications: For short-term relief of moderate to severe headaches. These may include:
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan)
- Gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant)
- Anti-nausea medications (Zofran®, Reglan®)
Preventative Medications: Used when headaches are frequent or persistent. These may include:
- Beta-blockers (propranolol)
- Antidepressants (amitriptyline, venlafaxine)
- CGRP inhibitors (erenumab, fremanezumab)
- Botox® injections for chronic migraine prevention (15+ headache days per month)
Neuromodulation Devices: As a non-medication treatment option, neuromodulation devices (like Nerivio®, Cefaly®, or gammaCore®) use gentle electrical or magnetic stimulation to calm overactive pain pathways — effective for both acute migraine relief and long-term prevention.
Supplements: Certain supplements or vitamins may also support neurological health and enhance recovery, including:
- Magnesium: stabilizes neuronal membranes, reduces excitability.
- CoQ10: supports mitochondrial function and energy production.
- Fish oil (omega-3s): anti-inflammatory, supports neuronal repair.
- Curcumin: antioxidant, reduces neuroinflammation.
- Creatine: aids cell energy metabolism, may support cognitive recovery
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): antioxidant, replenishes glutathione, protects neurons.
- Vitamin D: modulates immune and inflammatory pathways.
Our neurology-trained providers tailor every treatment plan to your unique symptoms and recovery goals — avoiding overtreatment and unnecessary side effects.
Return-to-learn, return-to-work, and return-to-play decisions depend on symptom recovery and clinical assessment. As a Certified Complete Concussion Management™ clinic, Transcend follows evidence-based protocols to ensure every patient returns safely and confidently — whether to the classroom, workplace, or playing field.
Recovery happens in gradual stages and is closely monitored by our providers to confirm both cognitive and physical readiness before full clearance.
To support this process, we use the Concussion Tracker App — a free, easy-to-use tool that allows athletes, parents, coaches, teachers, and healthcare providers to track symptoms and progress in real time.
Anyone can download the app and create an account. Once inside, simply assign Transcend Headache Clinic as your clinic to stay connected throughout the recovery process.
