In This Article:
Why Concussions Matter
A slip on the ice. A tackle in football. A car accident. Concussions can occur anytime the head receives a bump, blow or jolt that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This type of mild traumatic brain injury is serious and needs to be properly assessed by a medical professional.
The good news? With proper concussion treatment and rest, most people recover fully. The key is knowing what to watch for and when to seek help.
Key Signs to Watch For
Someone who shows one or more of the following signs, or simply says they just "don't feel right" may have a concussion or more serious head injury.
Concussion Signs You Can Observe
- Can't recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
- Appears dazed or stunned.
- Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
- Moves clumsily or has balance problems.
- Answers questions slowly.
- Loses consciousness (even briefly).
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.
Symptoms Patients Report
If you've had a head injury, you might experience these symptoms yourself:
What You Might Feel
- Headache or "pressure" in head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
- Bothered by light or noise (sensitivity).
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
- Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
- Just not "feeling right," or "feeling down".
When & Where to Get Help
Head injury signs usually start to show soon after an injury. However, it may be difficult to know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show for hours or days.
Seek Emergency Care If:
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe or worsening headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Extreme confusion or unusual behavior
What to Do Next
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive approach to assessment, concussion treatment and recovery. A collaborative effort by Riverside's Neurosciences Institute, Orthopedic Specialists, Athletic Trainers and Rehabilitation Services, the center is the only in the region with a fellowship-trained head-injury specialist, Ekua Gilbert-Baffoe, MD. This level of access works to get patients recovered quickly.
Riverside is also the only facility in the area that features the Biodex assessment system. This instrument helps provide a baseline and post-injury evaluation to help track recovery. This information is vital in helping clinicians create a therapy program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of a concussion?
The first concussion signs often include confusion, headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise. Some people may briefly lose consciousness, but this doesn't always happen with a mild traumatic brain injury.
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Most concussion symptoms improve within 7-10 days for adults and within 4 weeks for children and teens. However, concussion recovery time varies from person to person.
Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes, absolutely. Many concussions don't involve loss of consciousness. You can still have a serious brain injury even if you never "black out."
When should I worry about a head injury?
Seek immediate medical care if you experience repeated vomiting, severe headache, loss of consciousness, extreme confusion, or weakness in your arms or legs. For more information, visit the CDC's concussion overview.
Need a Concussion Assessment?
Our expert team is here to help you get back to feeling your best.
To get a baseline assessment for athletes, call (815) 802-7090 or learn more about our services.
