A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body. This force causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, stretching nerve cells and blood vessels, and leading to temporary changes in brain function. Unlike some other brain injuries, a concussion is primarily a functional injury, meaning it affects how the brain works rather than causing structural damage visible on standard imaging.
Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and physical violence. While concussions are generally not life-threatening, their effects can persist for days, weeks, or longer. Understanding the signs of a concussion is a step toward seeking appropriate care, but professional medical evaluation remains necessary for an accurate diagnosis and a safe recovery.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may appear immediately or develop hours to days after the injury. Recognizing these signs is an important initial step.
Physical symptoms often include headaches, which can feel like pressure in the head, and neck pain. Individuals might also experience balance problems, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Visual disturbances such as blurry vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light are common, as is sensitivity to noise or ringing in the ears. A general feeling of being dazed, stunned, or lightheaded can also be present.
Cognitive changes can manifest as feeling foggy, confused, or not like oneself. Difficulty thinking clearly, trouble concentrating, or problems remembering new information are common indicators. Individuals might also exhibit slowed processing or a brief period of amnesia around the event.
Emotional or mood symptoms can include irritability, sadness, anxiety, or mood swings. These changes might be subtle and sometimes emerge slowly after the initial injury. Sleep patterns can also be affected, with individuals either sleeping more or less than usual, or experiencing difficulty falling asleep.
Why Professional Medical Evaluation is Essential
While recognizing concussion symptoms is important, a professional medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Concussion diagnosis relies on a comprehensive assessment that cannot be performed by an individual. A healthcare provider will evaluate symptoms, review medical history, and conduct neurological examinations.
A medical professional can rule out more severe brain injuries, such as bleeding or swelling, that might present with similar initial symptoms. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs are typically used to check for these serious complications rather than to diagnose a concussion itself, as concussions often do not show structural damage on these scans. A doctor can also provide a personalized recovery plan, which is important for safe healing.
It is particularly important to seek immediate emergency care if certain “red flag” symptoms appear. These include a headache that worsens and does not go away, seizures, or loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds. Other concerning signs include repeated vomiting, severe dizziness or trouble walking, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in limbs, significant confusion, or unequal pupil size.
Immediate Actions and Next Steps
Immediately after a suspected concussion, it is important to stop any physical or cognitive activity. This includes ceasing sports, work, school, or extensive screen time. Initial rest, both physical and cognitive, is important, particularly in the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury.
Closely monitoring symptoms is necessary, and it is beneficial to have someone else observe the individual for the first 24 to 48 hours. Gradual return to daily activities should occur as symptoms improve, guided by medical advice. It is important to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations for returning to school, work, or sports.
Individuals should avoid alcohol and other substances that could interfere with recovery or mask symptoms. Recovery from a concussion takes time and varies for everyone, so patience is important throughout the healing process.