Concussion Symptoms: What Y'all Demand to Know

What You Need to Know: Symptoms of Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), sometimes chosen a balmy traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Concussions are the result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal part of the brain. Just like people, every concussion is unique. In fact, healthcare professionals in the field of brain injury frequently say, "If you've seen 1 concussion, you lot've seen one concussion." Traumatic brain injury tin can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Most signs or symptoms of a concussion are evident shortly after the traumatic consequence, while y'all may only become enlightened of others days or weeks later.

The post-obit are the nigh common signs and symptoms of a concussion:

General Symptoms of Concussion

  • Headaches or neck hurting that practise not get away
  • Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
  • Getting lost or easily confused
  • Feeling tired all of the fourth dimension, having no free energy or motivation
  • Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
  • Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
  • Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
  • Urge to vomit (nausea)
  • Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
  • Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
  • Loss of sense of smell or sense of taste
  • Ringing in the ears

Near people brand a skilful recovery from a concussion, simply it's important to have what may seem like just a bump on the caput seriously. A common question is when should I go to the hospital for a concussion? If you lot or a loved one notices any of the above symptoms, yous should seek medical attention correct away. Fifty-fifty seemingly minor bumps tin can result in life threatening encephalon bleeding or other serious conditions that can only be identified and treated in a infirmary.

Children Concussion Symptoms

Children with a concussion can have the same symptoms as adults, but information technology is oftentimes harder for them to share how they experience. Telephone call your child'south doctor if they have had a blow to the head and you lot notice any of these concussion symptoms:

  • Tiredness or listlessness
  • Irritability or crankiness (will not stop crying or cannot be consoled)
  • Changes in eating (volition non eat or nurse)
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in the way the child plays
  • Changes in performance at school
  • Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
  • Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
  • Loss of residue or unsteady walking
  • Vomiting

Sometimes adults and children complain of "only not feeling similar themselves." Children oftentimes have a hard time explaining that they don't feel normal and it's up to the parents and their friends, family or coaches to know that they aren't acting similar themselves and become them to rest or to seek medical attending.

Posted on BrainLine July 25, 2018. Reviewed September nine, 2021.

About the Author

BrainLine offers authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury or PTSD: people with brain injuries, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.

BrainLine is a national service of WETA-TV, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C. Acquire more >