SymptomSpy

Concussion symptoms are usually associated with blacking out or a loss of consciousness. However, many people who have a concussion never lose consciousness. A Concussion is a condition that results due to a blow, fall, or a violent shaking that causes injury to the brain. Symptoms will range from mild to severe.

Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms can be very mild and in some cases an individual will not even be aware he or she had a concussion. Noticeable symptoms will vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Drowsiness
• Disorientation, confusion, or the inability to think straight
• Headache
• Loss of consciousness (short or long term)
• Memory lapse or amnesia, particularly for events that occurred prior to the injury or immediately after the injury
• Sense of having lost time
• Nausea and vomiting (possible)
• Blurry vision or seeing flashes of light
• Irritability

Some symptoms indicate an emergency. If the following symptoms are present the person needs immediate medical attention. It is common for a concussion to have associated injury to the neck or spine. Do not move the victim of a head injury if it can be avoided. Emergency symptoms include:

• Persistent loss of alertness or consciousness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Muscle weakness on one of both sides of the body
• Persistent confusion
• Repeated vomiting
• Unequal pupil size or unusual eye movements
• Difficulty walking

If a person experiences a loss of consciousness, the length of time he or she remains unconscious may indicate the severity of the concussion.

Concussion Causes

Concussions are very common and can be caused by a fall, blow to the head, violent shaking, or rapid forward and backward movement of the head (Whiplash). Participating in sports activities and having a car accident can increase the risk of sustaining a concussion.

Concussion Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a concussion will be based on observation of the aforementioned symptoms following trauma to the head and possibly an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical exam, x-rays, and a CT scan or MRI of the head or neck. Additional test may be ordered including an EEG (brain wave test) if seizures are involved, blood tests or analysis of cerebrospinal fluids.

Concussion Treatment

Treatment will depend on the extend of the injury. First aid may be required if the injury is recent. Do not attempt to move a patient if neck or spine injury is suspected. Have the patient lie down quietly. A cold compress may be used to alleviate pain present in the head or neck. The patient should be observed (at a hospital if the condition is severe) for a least 24 hours following injury.

Report any of the following symptoms to physician immediately: vomiting, difficulty waking, paralysis, fever, convulsions, severe persistent headache, persistent disorientation.

If a head injury is sustained during a sports activity, a trained professional must clear the person before he or she is able to return to playing sports.

If a child or young adult suffers a concussion, that person may need to stop playing sports for a period of 3 or more months. There is an increased risk of serious health complications, if the person suffers another concussion before fully recovering from the prior incident.

Do not use aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin or Advil), naproxen, or other similar drugs to relieve headaches or pain. You may use acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol).

Following a concussion, eat a light diet and participate in only light activities, avoid exercising, lifting weights or lifting heavy objects.

In uncomplicated concussions, a full recovery is expected. Some concussion symptoms such as dizziness, memory loss, problems thinking, irritability, headaches, and sleep disruption can continue to occur for weeks or months following the injury.