To tell if you have a concussion, watch for a range of symptoms that can affect your physical state, thinking, emotions, and sleep. Common signs include: Physical symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting (especially soon after injury)
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Vision problems such as blurry or double vision
- Feeling tired or low energy
- Ringing in the ears
Cognitive symptoms:
- Feeling mentally foggy or slowed down
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems, including amnesia about the injury event
- Trouble thinking clearly or answering questions slowly
Emotional and behavioral symptoms:
- Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness
- Mood changes such as sadness or increased emotionality
- Personality changes or unusual behavior
Sleep disturbances:
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns
After a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, these symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours or days. It is important to monitor for worsening symptoms or danger signs, which require immediate medical attention. These danger signs include:
- Loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe or worsening headache
- Seizures or convulsions
- One pupil larger than the other
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Increasing confusion, restlessness, or unusual behavior
If you suspect a concussion, stop physical activity and seek medical evaluation promptly. A healthcare professional can perform assessments and guide recovery, which typically involves rest and gradual return to normal activities