A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. This movement can cause chemical changes and damage brain cells, affecting normal function. Vomiting is a physical symptom that may appear following such an injury.
Concussion and Vomiting
Vomiting after a concussion occurs due to the brain’s response to the injury. When the head sustains a forceful impact, the brain moves rapidly within the skull, damaging brain cells and temporarily disrupting normal functioning. This disruption can affect brain regions regulating nausea and vomiting.
The forceful movement can also lead to inflammation or microstructural damage, potentially causing fluid buildup that increases pressure inside the skull, known as intracranial pressure (ICP). Elevated ICP can directly trigger nausea and vomiting. A concussion can also affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays a role in balance and spatial orientation. Dysfunction here can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and motion sickness-like symptoms, often including nausea and subsequent vomiting.
Other Common Concussion Signs
Beyond vomiting, concussions manifest through various other signs and symptoms, affecting physical, cognitive, emotional well-being, and sleep patterns. Headaches are common, often described as pressure in the head. Dizziness and balance problems are also reported.
Individuals might experience cognitive changes such as confusion, feeling “foggy” or slowed down, and difficulties with concentration, memory, or recalling information. Physical symptoms include sensitivity to light or noise, blurred or double vision, and ringing in the ears. Emotional shifts like irritability, sadness, or increased anxiety may also occur.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While many concussion symptoms resolve over time, certain signs indicate a more serious injury requiring immediate medical evaluation. Repeated vomiting or nausea warrants urgent medical attention. A headache that worsens or does not go away also prompts immediate care.
Other concerning symptoms include loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds, seizures or convulsions, increasing confusion, or an inability to stay awake. Changes in physical coordination like slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination, as well as significant behavioral changes, also necessitate prompt medical evaluation. These signs could point to complications such as bleeding in or around the brain, which can be life-threatening.
Supporting Recovery After Concussion
Once immediate medical concerns are addressed, recovery after a concussion involves physical and cognitive rest, followed by a gradual return to normal activities. In the first 24 to 48 hours, relative rest is recommended to allow the brain to begin healing. This does not mean complete isolation in a dark room but rather limiting activities requiring significant concentration or physical exertion.
Activities like reading, watching television, playing video games, or using computers should be reduced, especially if they worsen symptoms. Light physical activity, such as short walks, can be introduced a couple of days after the injury, provided it does not exacerbate symptoms. A healthcare provider should guide the gradual return to daily routines, including school or work, ensuring activities are increased only as symptoms improve.