A concussion is a type of brain injury resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move or twist inside the skull. This forceful movement can temporarily interfere with the brain’s normal function. Recognizing concussion signs is important for proper care and recovery.
Understanding Pupils
The pupil is the black opening located in the center of the colored part of your eye, known as the iris. Its function is to regulate light entering the eye. The iris contains muscles that control the pupil’s size, allowing it to constrict or dilate.
In bright light, the pupils naturally constrict, becoming smaller to limit the light reaching the retina. Conversely, in dim light, they dilate, or widen, to allow more light in, enhancing vision. This automatic reaction, the pupillary light reflex, is controlled by the brain and optimizes visual clarity across varying light conditions.
Pupil Changes After a Concussion
A concussion can sometimes affect the brain areas that control pupil size and reaction to light. One noticeable sign can be unequal pupil size, a condition called anisocoria, where one pupil appears larger than the other. While slight differences can be normal, a difference greater than one millimeter may indicate a serious issue after a head injury.
Another indicator is an abnormal reaction to light, where pupils may react slowly, sluggishly, or not at all when exposed to changes in brightness. Pupils may also remain unusually dilated for several hours or days. This unresponsiveness suggests a disruption in the brain’s control over pupillary function.
To check for these changes, observe the individual’s pupils in a moderately lit room. Gently shine a penlight or phone flashlight into one eye for about three seconds, noting constriction and subsequent dilation. Repeat this process with the other eye, comparing both pupils for size, shape, and how quickly and evenly they react to the light.
Additional Concussion Indicators
Concussions often present with a combination of symptoms that extend beyond pupil changes. Physical symptoms are frequently among the first to be noticed. These can include a headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Individuals might also experience problems with balance, sensitivity to light, or sensitivity to sound.
Cognitive symptoms affect thinking and mental processing. Common signs include confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems, such as forgetting events immediately before or after the injury. Individuals may also feel “foggy” or slowed down.
Emotional changes can also occur after a concussion. These might involve increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, or mood swings. Sleep disturbances are also common, with individuals potentially sleeping more or less, or having trouble falling asleep.
Immediate Actions and When to Seek Medical Help
If a concussion is suspected based on any observed signs, including pupil changes, the individual should immediately stop any ongoing activity. Continued physical or mental exertion can worsen the injury. Monitoring for worsening symptoms over the next 24 to 48 hours is important, as some may not appear immediately.
Professional medical evaluation is necessary for any suspected concussion. Specific “red flag” symptoms warrant immediate emergency medical attention, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache that worsens or does not go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Significant confusion
- One pupil noticeably larger than the other