Head injuries can present in varied ways, leading to questions about less common symptoms. This article clarifies a concern: whether a fever can be a symptom of a concussion.
What is a Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from a sudden jolt or blow to the head or body. This causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, leading to temporary disruption of normal brain function. It is primarily a functional injury, meaning standard medical imaging like CT scans may not show visible structural damage.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
Concussions manifest through a range of symptoms affecting physical, cognitive, emotional well-being, and sleep. Common physical symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Cognitive effects can involve confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems, often described as feeling “foggy” or “slowed down.” Mood changes, irritability, or increased emotional sensitivity may also occur. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours to days later, typically within 48 to 72 hours. The severity and combination of symptoms can differ significantly among individuals, making careful observation important.
Is Fever a Concussion Symptom
Fever is not a typical symptom of a concussion. Concussions involve a temporary functional disruption of brain activity, not a widespread inflammatory response that causes fever. However, a mild, short-term fever can sometimes occur due to localized inflammation from the head injury, known as neurogenic fever. Research indicates that this neurologically based fever can occur in a percentage of traumatic brain injury survivors.
If a fever develops after a head injury, it warrants immediate medical attention. It can signal more serious conditions like an infection (meningitis or encephalitis) or a severe brain injury such as an intracranial hemorrhage, which involves bleeding in or around the brain. While a concussion itself does not typically cause a fever, its presence after a head injury should prompt concern and medical evaluation.
When to Get Immediate Medical Help
Certain symptoms following a head injury are considered “red flags” and necessitate immediate emergency medical attention. These signs can indicate a more severe brain injury beyond a concussion. These include:
Worsening headache that does not improve
Repeated vomiting
Any loss of consciousness (even brief)
Seizures
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Significant changes in behavior or increased confusion
Discharge of clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
If a fever is present after a head injury, or if any of these symptoms appear or worsen over time, seeking emergency medical care is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and management.