Concussions are a common injury resulting from severe blows to the head or when the body is shaken, and the brain is jostled. You can learn everything you need to know about concussions, and learn how to spot the symptoms with a search online right now.
Although athletes are usually considered most prone to concussions, they can happen to anyone. Falls, fights, car accidents, or even passing out and hitting the head can also cause concussions. In rare cases, concussions may cause brain injury.
Headaches
Severe headaches, similar to migraines, often occur after a direct blow to the head.
Decreased Cognitive Function
Concentration difficulty and memory loss are common symptoms of a concussion, causing slow or encumbered decision-making, lack of focus, or inability to remember normal routines.
Lack of Coordination
Immediate dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty maintaining balance are common symptoms of a concussion.
Pupil Dilation
Following head trauma, pupils may appear dilated or unusually large in size.
Nausea
Nausea, and in more severe concussion cases, repeated vomiting may occur due to headache, head trauma, and compromised balance and vision.
Blurred Vision
Blurry vision may occur, and sensitivity to light is common after a concussion.
Bruising
Swollen bumps or bruising can appear where the trauma took place.
Emotional Outbursts
Extreme mood swings, depression, anxiety, and agitation are common symptoms.
Slurred Speech
Normal speech patterns often sound slurred, incomprehensible, or difficult to articulate.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Concussion victims may experience extreme tiredness, lack of energy, or trouble sleeping.
Amnesia
Memory loss surrounding the event itself or recurring memory loss is common after a concussion.
Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears, is common after head trauma.
Fatigue
Extreme tiredness or lack of energy is a common symptom of a concussion, which can come on after less activity than normal.
Loss of Smell and Taste
Loss of smell or taste may occur and may affect appetite.
Memory Loss
A foggy memory or difficulty memorizing small details like grocery lists or calendar events is common after a concussion.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Patients may experience lasting symptoms that occur longer than one or two months, known as post-concussion syndrome.
Symptoms in Babies and Toddlers
Symptoms in babies may include crying when you move their head, irritability, change in sleeping habits, vomiting, or a visible bump or bruise on the head.
Symptoms in Children
Sudden changes in mood, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms in children.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms include feeling confused, dazed, or like you are in a fog, delayed response, trouble recalling the right words or using language incorrectly.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience a head injury or are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor within one to two days, especially if you have repeated vomiting or nausea, loss of consciousness, worsening headache, slurred speech, and more.
It’s important to remember that while many of the symptoms listed in this article may occur immediately after the concussion, they may also take time to develop. If you experience any symptoms after a head injury, notify your doctor immediately to ensure there is nothing other than a concussion that you need to recover from.