8 Concussion Symptoms and What To Do

You have a chance of developing a head injury called a concussion anytime you receive a blow or jolt to your head. Mild concussion symptoms include cognitive issues, a change in consciousness, nausea, and sleep problems. How long a concussion lasts depends on how severe it is. It might take several days or weeks to recover. More severe concussions can last months.

The blow that causes a concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can be from falling off a bike or playing sports. Read on to learn more about signs of a concussion and what to do if you have mild or severe ones.

1. Persistent Headache

Hitting your head or getting hit on the head is likely to give you a headache. Headaches are a common symptom of concussions.

The headaches occurring from concussions are persistent but usually temporary. A headache after a trauma that does not resolve after a few days or worsens over time needs medical attention.

2. Altered Consciousness

One of the tell-tale signs of a concussion is an immediate, altered state of consciousness accompanied by other issues. These issues, which often appear over minutes, hours, or days later, include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Vision changes

The level of consciousness does not determine how bad a concussion is. It's possible to have a concussion even if you are not knocked out entirely.

3. Dizziness or Off-Balance

Being dizzy or off balance is a common sign of concussion. You may experience weakness or numbness, along with a decrease in coordination.

Even subtle symptoms like feeling unsteady on your feet can indicate a brain injury. You might also feel sick or vomit after hitting your head, both of which are also concussion symptoms.

4. Cognitive Problems

You are likely to experience immediate cognitive issues if you have a concussion. Memory problems are a sign of TBI, but feeling foggy or confused can also be a symptom.

The effects can be profound, like not knowing what way is home or having trouble processing information. Any cognitive issues usually improve soon after or within a few weeks of the injury.

5. Problems With Your Eyes

You may have a concussion if you have trouble focusing your eyes after experiencing trauma to the head. Double or blurry vision and light sensitivity are common symptoms.

Vision problems that come and go, including reoccurring double vision, need immediate medical attention. This type of vision problem can signify a severe condition.

6. Mood and Personality Changes

A concussion might cause you to become anxious, depressed, or irritable. These mood and personality changes usually happen within a few days of the injury with other concussion symptoms.

7. Fatigue

It's normal to feel very tired after a concussion. Fatigue is a frequently reported symptom for people with a TBI.

You can feel drowsy or tired after a concussion because it takes a lot of energy to heal an injured brain. Research has shown that the body may use all of its resting expended energy or twice as much when a person has a TBI.

8. Sleep Issues

You may also find that you cannot sleep well at night after a concussion. Sleep issues following brain injuries are relatively common. A study published in 2016 showed that between 30% and 70% of people reported having problems sleeping after a TBI.

Symptoms in Children

Concussion symptoms in children may include the above signs, as well as:

• Clumsy movement
• Foggy, groggy, hazy, or sluggish feeling
• Forgetfulness with instructions
• Noise and light sensitivity
• Not feeling "right"
• Problems recalling events before or after impact
• Slow speech
  

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Concussions can vary in seriousness, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider if you have any signs of one. It's also best for children of any age to see a healthcare provider following a concussion.

What do you do for a mild concussion? Many people can have a fast recovery after a concussion. Mild concussions may not need any treatment. You might require minimal treatment, such as taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches or changing to a light diet if you have nausea.

When Should You Go to the ER for a Concussion?

Immediate medical attention is necessary for severe concussion symptoms. Signs of a TBI that you'll want to pay attention to and seek medical care for include:

• A headache that continues to get worse
• Convulsions or seizures
• Decreased coordination
• Drowsiness or an inability to remain awake
• Pupil size differences in the eyes
• Repetitive vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Unusual behavior
• Weakness or numbness

Other symptoms to look out for in infants and young children include persistent crying, an inability to calm down, and refusal to eat or nurse. Get medical attention right away if any of these symptoms occur.

A Quick Review

Concussion symptoms—which may develop after a blow to the head—include headaches, balance problems, fatigue, and vision changes. It's important to know the signs of a concussion, which vary individually in children and adults.

Not all concussions will need treatment, but it's essential to seek medical attention for severe symptoms. These include worsening headaches, vomiting, and seizures.

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