Such changes in brain structure could be responsible for certain symptoms such as visual disturbances, but other sets of symptoms, especially those of a psychological nature, are more likely to be caused by reversible pathophysiological changes in cellular function that occur after concussion, such as alterations in neurons' biochemistry.
Sådanne ændringer i hjernens struktur kan være ansvarlig for bestemte symptomer, såsom synsforstyrrelser, men andre grupper af symptomer, især dem af psykologisk natur, stammer mere sandsynligt fra reversible patofysiologiske ændringer i den cellulære funktion der opstår efter hjernerystelse, såsom ændringer i neuroners biokemi.