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Terms and safe-practice principles for concussion recovery

The Concussion
Glossary

A reference of medical and exercise terms for a medically supervised concussion recovery program — with the sub-symptom-threshold principle that governs safe, graded return to activity.
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Reference · Concussion Program
Stay below the sub-symptom threshold
Always under medical supervision
REFMedical Terms
This glossary is educational and supports a medically supervised concussion program. It does not replace evaluation and clearance by a qualified healthcare provider. Never begin or progress exercise after a head injury without medical guidance, and stop immediately if symptoms worsen.
SECTION 01
Medical Terms
Key vocabulary for the concussion recovery program
Cognitive Load
The amount of mental effort being used in working memory during a task.
Convergence
The ability of both eyes to move inward to focus on near objects.
Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)
A questionnaire measuring self-perceived handicap due to dizziness.
Exertional Intolerance
Worsening of symptoms with physical or cognitive activity.
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
A scale used to assess level of consciousness after head injury.
Nystagmus
Involuntary rhythmic movement of the eyes.
Oculomotor
Relating to eye movements and visual tracking.
Photophobia / Phonophobia
Increased sensitivity to light / to sound.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Symptoms persisting beyond expected recovery time (more than 3 months).
Vestibular System
The inner-ear system responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
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REFExercise Terms
SECTION 02
Exercise & Recovery Terms
How activity is graded and progressed safely
Baseline
A starting-point measurement taken before beginning exercises.
Sub-Symptom Threshold
An exercise intensity that does not worsen symptoms — the guiding limit for concussion exercise.
Graded Exercise
Gradually increasing the intensity or duration of activity.
Progressive Loading
A systematic increase in exercise difficulty or intensity over time.
Habituation
A decreased response to repeated stimulation over time — the basis of vestibular/visual desensitization.
Symptom Provocation
A temporary increase in symptoms during testing or exercise, used to guide (not exceed) safe limits.
Visual Motion Sensitivity
Symptoms triggered by moving visual stimuli.
The guiding principle: sub-symptom threshold

Concussion recovery exercise is governed by one rule above all — stay below the intensity that worsens symptoms. Establish a baseline, progress gradually (graded exercise and progressive loading), and use habituation to reduce sensitivity over time — always within medical guidance, and always stopping if symptoms climb.

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REFSafe Practice
SECTION 03
Safe-Practice Principles
Applying the terms in the program
STEP 1
Establishing Baseline
Know your starting point before you progress.
  1. With your provider, note your current symptom level at rest.
  2. Identify the activities that currently provoke symptoms.
  3. Record a baseline you can measure progress against.
  4. Do not exceed the sub-symptom threshold from the start.
KEY POINTS & MODIFICATIONS
  • Baselines change — reassess regularly.
  • Progress only when cleared to do so.
STEP 2
Graded, Sub-Threshold Progression
Increase load without provoking symptoms.
  1. Begin at an intensity that stays below symptom provocation.
  2. Increase duration or intensity gradually, one variable at a time.
  3. Monitor symptoms during and after each session.
  4. Use habituation — repeated, tolerable exposure — to lower sensitivity.
KEY POINTS & MODIFICATIONS
  • A brief, mild, settling symptom rise may be expected — a lasting increase is not; stop.
  • Always follow your clinician’s protocol.
If symptoms significantly worsen, do not persist. Rest, and contact your healthcare provider. Return-to-activity after concussion must be medically supervised.
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