No, a concussion does not cause a “high”; it results in brain injury symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and memory loss.
Understanding the Effects of a Concussion on the Brain
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head. This impact disrupts normal brain function, leading to a variety of symptoms. Unlike substances that induce euphoria or intoxication, a concussion doesn’t produce a “high” in any traditional sense. Instead, it damages delicate brain tissues and alters neural communication.
When the brain rapidly moves within the skull due to impact, neurons can stretch or tear. This causes chemical changes and temporary dysfunction in brain activity. The result is confusion, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and impaired memory—none of which align with feelings of euphoria or pleasure typically associated with getting high.
Why People Might Confuse Concussion Symptoms with Being “High”
Some concussion symptoms—such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or altered perception—might superficially resemble intoxication. People unfamiliar with brain injuries may mistake these signs for being “high” or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, these symptoms stem from trauma-induced neural disruption rather than psychoactive effects.
The cognitive fog and slowed reaction times after a concussion are signs of impaired brain function rather than pleasurable sensations. In fact, the experience is often distressing and uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
Neurological Impact: What Happens Inside Your Brain?
Inside your skull lies an intricate network of neurons responsible for everything from movement to memory. When you sustain a concussion, this network undergoes sudden stress:
- Axonal Injury: Tiny nerve fibers (axons) can stretch or break.
- Neurochemical Imbalance: Sudden release of neurotransmitters disrupts normal signaling.
- Metabolic Crisis: Energy demands spike while blood flow might be reduced.
All these factors combine to create symptoms like confusion and disorientation—not euphoria or pleasure.
The Difference Between Brain Injury and Psychoactive Effects
Psychoactive substances work by altering neurotransmitter levels in specific ways that produce euphoria or altered states of consciousness. For example:
- Cannabis increases dopamine release causing relaxation and euphoria.
- Alcohol depresses inhibitory pathways resulting in lowered inhibitions and mood changes.
- Amphetamines stimulate dopamine release leading to heightened alertness and pleasure.
In contrast, concussions cause chaotic neurotransmitter release that leads to dysfunction rather than targeted pleasure responses.
The Symptoms That Follow a Concussion
After a head injury causing a concussion, symptoms can range from mild to severe but rarely include any sensation remotely close to being “high.” Common signs include:
| Symptom | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | A persistent ache or pressure in the head. | Days to weeks |
| Dizziness | A sensation of spinning or loss of balance. | Hours to days |
| Confusion & Memory Issues | Trouble focusing or recalling recent events. | Hours to weeks |
| Nausea & Vomiting | Upset stomach often accompanies other symptoms. | Hours to days |
| Sensitivity to Light & Noise | Loud sounds or bright lights worsen discomfort. | Days to weeks |
None of these symptoms reflect any kind of pleasurable high; they indicate injury and distress.
Cognitive Fog vs. Euphoria: Clearing Up Misconceptions
People sometimes describe post-concussion cognitive fog as feeling “spacey” or “out of it.” While this might sound similar to being high on substances like marijuana, there’s an important distinction: cognitive fog is a decline in mental clarity caused by impaired brain function—not an enjoyable altered state.
This fog can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and make simple tasks difficult. It’s frustrating and concerning rather than fun or euphoric.
The Dangers of Misinterpreting Concussion Symptoms as Being High
Misunderstanding concussion effects can lead people to underestimate their severity. If someone thinks they’re just “a little high” after head trauma rather than seriously injured, they might delay seeking medical care.
Ignoring concussion symptoms can have serious consequences:
- Second Impact Syndrome: A second blow before full recovery can cause catastrophic brain swelling.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Repeated concussions increase risk for long-term neurodegeneration.
- Mental Health Issues: Depression and anxiety rates rise after untreated concussions.
- Cognitive Impairments: Memory problems and difficulty concentrating may persist indefinitely.
Recognizing that concussions cause injury—not intoxication—is vital for prompt treatment and recovery.
The Importance of Medical Evaluation After Head Trauma
If you experience any concussion-like symptoms following head trauma—even if you feel “weird” but not necessarily hurt—get checked by a healthcare professional immediately. They can perform tests such as:
- Cognitive assessments for memory and attention deficits.
- Balanace tests to detect vestibular dysfunction.
In some cases, imaging like CT scans rule out more severe injuries such as bleeding inside the skull.
The Science Behind Why You Cannot Get High With A Concussion?
The phrase “getting high” implies activation of reward pathways in the brain that release dopamine—a neurotransmitter linked with pleasure. A concussion disrupts normal neuronal activity but does not selectively stimulate these reward circuits.
Instead:
- The injury causes widespread neuronal depolarization followed by suppression—leading to impaired signaling across many areas.
- This results in cognitive impairment rather than stimulation.
Brain chemistry after trauma involves glutamate excitotoxicity—a harmful overactivation that damages neurons—not the controlled modulation seen with recreational drugs.
A Closer Look at Neurotransmitter Changes Post-Concussion
Here’s how key neurotransmitters behave differently during concussions compared with drug-induced highs:
| Neurotransmitter | Status After Concussion | Status During Drug-Induced High |
|---|---|---|
| Dopamine | Dysregulated; reduced reward signaling due to neuronal injury. | Elevated; increased release causes euphoria (e.g., cocaine). |
| Glutamate | Elevated excessively; leads to excitotoxicity damaging neurons. | Moderate increase; involved in stimulation but controlled (e.g., caffeine). |
| GABA (Inhibitory) | Dysfunction causing imbalance between excitation/inhibition post-injury. | Elevated; causes sedation/relaxation (e.g., alcohol). |
The imbalance after concussion results in dysfunction rather than pleasurable sensation.
Mental Health Complications Following Concussions Can Be Severe but Not Pleasurable
Post-concussion syndrome includes prolonged headaches combined with emotional disturbances such as irritability or depression. These are serious complications requiring medical attention but are far from enjoyable experiences.
Ignoring this distinction risks trivializing brain injuries that need proper care.
Treatment Focus: Recovery From Injury Not Seeking Euphoria
Medical management after concussion centers on rest and gradual return to activities—not on altering mental states for pleasure. Treatment protocols include:
- Cognitive rest: avoiding mentally taxing tasks initially.
- Physical rest: limiting exertion until symptoms improve.
- Pain management: using medications carefully under supervision.
There’s no therapeutic goal involving inducing any sort of “high.” Instead, healing damaged neural pathways takes time and patience.
The Role of Rehabilitation Post-Concussion
Once acute symptoms resolve somewhat, rehabilitation may involve physical therapy for balance issues or cognitive therapy for memory problems. This approach helps restore function without attempting any psychoactive effect.
Patients are encouraged toward healthy lifestyle habits—hydration, sleep hygiene—to support natural recovery processes rather than seeking artificial alterations in consciousness.
Key Takeaways: Can You Get High With A Concussion?
➤ Concussions affect brain function but don’t cause a high sensation.
➤ Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and confusion, not euphoria.
➤ Getting high requires substances, not just a brain injury.
➤ Seek medical care immediately if you suspect a concussion.
➤ Rest and recovery are crucial; avoid drugs to prevent complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get High With A Concussion?
No, you cannot get high with a concussion. A concussion causes brain injury symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and memory problems, but it does not produce any euphoric or intoxicating effects like those caused by drugs or alcohol.
Why Do Some People Think You Can Get High With A Concussion?
Some symptoms of a concussion, like dizziness and altered perception, may resemble being intoxicated. However, these signs result from brain trauma and neural disruption—not from psychoactive effects or a pleasurable “high.” The experience is usually uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
What Happens Inside The Brain That Prevents Getting High With A Concussion?
A concussion damages delicate brain tissues and disrupts normal neural communication. This causes confusion and disorientation rather than euphoria. Unlike drugs that alter neurotransmitter levels to create a high, concussions cause injury that impairs brain function.
Can The Symptoms Of A Concussion Be Mistaken For Being High?
Yes, symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and slowed reaction times might be mistaken for intoxication by someone unfamiliar with brain injuries. However, these symptoms are caused by trauma-induced brain dysfunction rather than psychoactive substances.
Is There Any Pleasure Or Euphoria Associated With A Concussion?
No, a concussion does not cause feelings of pleasure or euphoria. Instead, it often results in distressing symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and impaired memory. The neurological impact is harmful and uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
The Bottom Line – Can You Get High With A Concussion?
To sum it all up: No matter how confusing some symptoms might feel initially after head trauma, you cannot get high with a concussion. The condition is an injury marked by impaired brain function causing headaches, dizziness, confusion—not euphoria or intoxication.
Understanding this difference is crucial for recognizing when medical care is needed urgently instead of dismissing symptoms as harmless fun or intoxication effects. Protect your brain by treating concussions seriously because they impact your long-term health profoundly—and no “high” comes from it at all.