Concussion: How to Recognize the Signs

Life is usually smooth for most of us. We work, we play, we eat, and we sleep. However, due to accident or illness, sometimes things go wrong. Whether it’s a sprained joint, a broken arm, or a chipped tooth, sometimes we hurt ourselves.

A concussion is a common injury that people can experience, and healthcare workers from Wilkes University nursing graduates in Pennsylvania to emergency room doctors in Arizona should be well-educated on concussion symptoms and treatment.

This article will give you a rundown on concussions, and we’ll cover what a concussion is and how it occurs. We’ll also share how you can recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion and what to do if you suspect you or someone else has one. Read on to learn more.

What is Concussion and How Does it Happen? 

A concussion is the term given for a mild traumatic brain injury that typically affects your brain function. The effects of concussion are often short-term, and we’ll cover what the symptoms look like below.

Concussions are usually caused by a strong impact on the head or body that is associated with a subsequent change in brain function. Not everyone who experiences a blow to the body or head has a concussion or will develop one. Some concussions cause the person to lose consciousness, but most don’t.

Falls or impacts to the head or body are the most common cause of concussions. Concussions are also very common among athletes who play a contact sport, such as American football, boxing, wrestling, or soccer. Most people will recover fully after a concussion.

How to Recognize the Signs of Concussion

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not occur right away after an impact on the head or body. Symptoms can last for a few days, weeks, or even longer in severe cases.

Common symptoms of a concussion injury are typically headache, confusion, and loss of memory, which is known as amnesia. This amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion.

Physical Signs of Concussion 

Some physical symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Ringing in the ears

• Nausea

• Headache

• Blurry vision

• Vomiting

• Fatigue or drowsiness

Other Symptoms of a Concussion

Some other non-physical symptoms may include:

• Amnesia surrounding the event that caused the concussion

• Dizziness or “seeing stars”

• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog

What Other People May Observe

A witness to the event may observe these symptoms in the person experiencing a concussion:

• Slurred speech

• Delayed response to questions

• Forgetfulness, such as asking the same questions over and over

• Temporary loss of consciousness, although this doesn’t always happen

• A dazed and confused appearance

Delayed Symptoms

Some symptoms of a concussion will occur right away. However, sometimes symptoms may not occur for several  days after the injury, such as:

• Troubles with concentration and memory

• Feeling emotional or depressed

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Trouble with sleep or insomnia

• Irritability, confusion, and other personality changes

• Changes in taste and smell.

What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion

You should see a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, within a day or two if you or your child experiences any trauma to the head, even if symptoms aren’t apparent. Kids or teens may need to see a medical professional, such as a pediatrician, who is experienced in treating young people. 

You should seek emergency care for an adult or child who experiences a head injury and any of the following symptoms:

• Repeated nausea or vomiting

• A loss of consciousness that lasts longer than 30 seconds

• You notice any fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears

• A headache that doesn’t improve

• Any weakness in the arms or legs

• Any vision or eye changes

• A ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away

• Any changes in behavior

• Symptoms that worsen over time

• Confusion or disorientation

• Slurred speech or any other changes in usual speech patterns

• Any obvious changes to mental function

• Changes in typical physical coordination, such as falling, stumbling, or clumsiness

• Seizures or convulsions

• Dizziness that doesn’t disappear or that goes away and comes back again

• Any large head bumps or bruises, such as bruises around the eyes or behind the ears

It’s incredibly important to seek emergency care if these symptoms appear in infants under 12 months of age.

Concussion in Athletes

Never return to the field or vigorous activity immediately following a concussion if you are an athlete. Expert medical professionals recommend that adult, child, and adolescent athletes with concussions should not return to play on the same day as the injury.

Even if a concussion is suspected, the same experts recommend not returning to activities that can put the athlete at risk of another concussion until they are healed. A gradual return to learning and physical activity is dependant on the individual and depends on the symptoms. A healthcare professional should always supervise any return to play.

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