Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer. Here are some common symptoms of a concussion:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision
- Bothered by light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Confusion, or concentration or memory problems
- Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”
- Loss of consciousness after the head injury
- Periods of memory loss
- Disturbances in vision, such as "seeing stars" or blurry vision
- A period of confusion, a blank expression, or a delay in answering questions immediately after the head injury
Symptoms of a concussion can be mild to severe, and in some cases, emergency treatment may be needed. Its important to seek medical attention immediately after a concussion if you or someone you know has these symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache that’s getting worse, lasts for a long time, or is severe
- Confusion
- Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up
- Vomiting
- Weakness, numbness, or trouble walking or talking
- Seizure or convulsion (where the arms and legs shake uncontrollably)
- Any other sudden change in thinking or behavior
If you or someone you know has concussion symptoms that last more than two weeks, consider seeing a doctor. These can include more serious symptoms of concussion or TBI, such as ongoing headaches, vertigo, and behavioral changes.