It may be difficult to determine whether you have a concussion because the symptoms can vary from person to person. Signs and symptoms generally appear soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first, and some symptoms may not be noticed for hours or even days.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Following a bump, jolt, or blow to the head, you may experience a concussion. Signs of a concussion that may be observed in you by others include:
Being unable to recall events that occur before or after the injuryAppearing to be stunned or dazedBeing unable to recall instructionsAppearing confusedDisplaying clumsy movementsBeing slow to answer questionsLosing consciousnessHaving mood, personality, or behavioral changes
For the person experiencing the concussion, the above signs may not be obvious. But there are symptoms of a concussion you may experience that others may not pick up on, including:
A headache or pressure in the head Balance issues Dizziness Double or blurry vision Nausea and vomiting Issues with remembering things or feeling confused Feeling like you can’t concentrate Feeling “off” or “down” Sluggishness, or having a hazy, foggy, or groggy feeling in your head
Post-concussion syndrome describes a set of complex symptoms that includes headache, dizziness, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairment occurring after TBI.
Signs in Young Children
When a concussion happens in children or infants, they may have a difficult time communicating the symptoms they are experiencing. Because of this, parents should be aware of signs that their baby or toddler may have a concussion.
The signs that your child has a concussion can include:
CryingComplaining of head painBeing unable to sleep, or waking at nightHaving mood changes, such as uncontrollable laughter or crying or an increased temperBeing irritableVomitingHaving noticeable issues with concentrationHaving balance problemsBeing more sensitive to light or sound
Complications
A complication that could occur following a concussion is second-impact syndrome. It arises if a second concussion occurs before the first one fully heals.
Second-impact syndrome can lead to fatal brain swelling. The risk of this complication is much higher in those who play sports, such as football or boxing. This is why it’s vital to always fully recover from a concussion prior to returning to normal activities.
Other complications that can arise following a concussion include:
Headaches Vertigo (a feeling of spinning and dizziness) Post-traumatic epilepsy (a seizure disorder) Depression, anxiety, or behavioral changes A specific type of brain degeneration known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the typical signs and symptoms such as confusion, memory issues, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness after hitting your head, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Other symptoms that should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention include trouble using your arms or legs and excessive and worsening sleepiness.
Summary
A concussion can occur after a blow to your head or other trauma. The signs observed by others and the symptoms experienced by the person with the concussion may be different. You may notice symptoms immediately following the injury or a few hours or even days afterward.
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If you suspect you or someone you’re with, including a child, has a concussion, monitor for any changes in mood, vision, and cognitive function and seek help.
A Word From Verywell
Hitting your head or falling can be scary. Sometimes it causes no injuries other than a bump or bruise. At other times, it can be very serious. It’s always best to get any head injury looked at by a healthcare provider.
A concussion is a serious condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion in yourself or a loved one will help you seek prompt treatment. Getting adequate treatment soon after a concussion reduces the risk of complications and helps prevent prolonged symptoms.
Yes. Although concussions are typically caused by a blow or bump to the head, they can also be caused by a fall or blow to the body that causes the head to jolt back and forth. If the force of the jolt is powerful enough, it can lead to a concussion.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a test called the Banyan BTI (Brain Trauma Indicator), a blood test designed for adults to measure levels of two protein biomarkers released from the brain into the bloodstream within 12 hours of the injury.
