A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily affects normal brain function. It is caused by a direct blow to the head or a jolt to the body that causes the brain to move quickly within the skull. Concussions result in changes to how the brain works, which can manifest as various symptoms. Recognizing a potential concussion requires symptom checking and observation, but self-assessment is strictly for preliminary triage. True diagnosis and guidance for recovery must always come from a trained healthcare professional.
Immediate Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care
Certain symptoms following a head injury indicate a severe neurological event, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain. If any of these signs appear, call emergency services immediately, as they require an emergency room visit. These red flags represent a threat to life or long-term function and must be addressed by medical professionals.
Signs of severe injury include any loss of consciousness or the inability of the injured person to wake up or stay awake. Seek urgent care if the person experiences a seizure or convulsions. A headache that continuously worsens over time, or repeated vomiting, suggests increasing pressure inside the skull.
Visible signs of distress also include slurred speech, significant confusion, or difficulty recognizing people or places. A change in pupil size, where one pupil appears larger than the other, is a particularly urgent sign of brain injury. Additionally, any weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination in the arms or legs signals a need for emergency medical transport.
Recognizing Common Concussion Symptoms
Self-assessment aims to identify the less severe, yet concerning, symptoms that characterize a typical concussion. These common signs can emerge immediately after the injury or may be delayed, sometimes appearing hours or days later. Paying attention to these changes determines if a full medical evaluation is needed.
Physical Symptoms
Physical changes are often the most noticeable symptoms of a concussion, with a persistent headache or a feeling of pressure being highly common. The injured person might feel dizzy, experience problems with balance, or feel nauseated without repeated vomiting. A person can ask themselves if they feel unsteady when walking or if they are experiencing blurry or double vision.
Sensitivity to bright light or loud noise is another frequent physical sign, sometimes accompanied by a ringing in the ears. An injured person may feel unusually fatigued or drowsy, even after adequate rest.
Cognitive Symptoms
A concussion also affects the brain’s ability to process information, leading to a cluster of cognitive changes. The person may describe feeling “in a fog,” or experience a general sluggishness in their thinking. Simple questions can be used to check for cognitive function, such as asking if they remember the events leading up to the injury or if they are having trouble concentrating on simple tasks.
Memory problems, such as difficulty recalling recent information or asking the same questions repeatedly, are also common indicators. The person might find it unusually challenging to follow conversations or instructions, suggesting a temporary impairment in attention and processing speed.
Emotional and Mood Symptoms
Concussions can also trigger changes in mood and emotional regulation that are uncharacteristic of the person’s usual behavior. Increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness that seems out of proportion to the injury are important signs to look for. Friends and family may notice that the person is more easily frustrated or has sudden, unexplained mood swings.
Sleep disturbances frequently accompany a concussion, which can manifest as sleeping significantly more than usual or, conversely, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. A change in appetite or a general lack of motivation may also be present. Identifying these subtle emotional changes is just as important as noting the physical or cognitive signs.
The Limits of Self-Assessment and Professional Follow-Up
Identifying symptoms through self-assessment is an important first step, but it is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis. A concussion is a clinical diagnosis, meaning a healthcare provider must interpret the symptoms, injury mechanism, and neurological exam findings. Self-reporting symptoms cannot rule out a more serious injury, which may require medical imaging like a CT scan to exclude bleeding in the brain.
Once common symptoms are recognized, the next step is to seek medical evaluation, either through a primary care physician, a specialist, or an urgent care clinic. Medical professionals use standardized tools, such as the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) for adults, to thoroughly evaluate neurological function, cognition, and balance. These tools are designed for medical use and are not intended for self-diagnosis.
The medical evaluation provides a customized recovery plan, often centered on cognitive and physical rest. Cognitive rest involves temporarily reducing activities that require concentration, such as schoolwork or screen time, to allow the brain to heal. Physical rest means avoiding any activity that could risk a second head injury, which is dangerous during the initial recovery phase.
A professional assessment also helps to differentiate concussion symptoms from other conditions or from pre-existing issues. Because symptoms can be delayed, a medical professional may recommend a period of observation and follow-up testing to ensure the symptoms are resolving appropriately. A formal evaluation is the only way to confirm the diagnosis, safely manage the recovery process, and determine when a return to normal activities is appropriate.