Symptoms of Concussion

Symptoms of concussion

When thinking about symptoms of concussion, it is helpful to divide them into two categories – symptoms reported by the injured person, and those observed by parents, teammates, or coaches. Importantly, the injured person is often not aware of the symptoms that others can see. In addition, while symptoms usually show up immediately, sometimes they can take a few hours or days to fully appear and develop.

Symptoms of concussion

When thinking about symptoms of concussion, it is helpful to divide them into two categories – symptoms reported by the injured person, and those observed by parents, teammates, or coaches. Importantly, the injured person is often not aware of the symptoms that others can see. In addition, while symptoms usually show up immediately, sometimes they can take a few hours or days to fully appear and develop.

Reported Symptoms

  • Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or trouble keeping your balance
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating or remembering things

Observed Symptoms

  • Can’t recall events just before or after the incident
  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Appears confused or forgetful
  • Moves clumsily
  • Responds slowly to questions
  • Gets knocked out or loses consciousness
  • Mood, behavior, or personality changes

Remember, if you or your child experience any of the following RED FLAG symptoms, call your doctor or go to the emergency department IMMEDIATELY.

  • Headache that gets worse over time
  • Seizure
  • Slurred or “drunken” speech
  • Increasing confusion
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Unequal pupils
  • Can’t recognize people or places
  • Looks very drowsy, or can’t be awakened
  • Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
  • Unusual behavior
  • Increasing irritability
  • Loses consciousness

It is important to note that the symptoms of concussion are generally the same for children and adults. However, very young children may not be able to report a symptom the same way an older child can.

Next, learn how to identify symptoms of concussion in very young children, concussion treatment, and concussion recovery.

CDC Video: Symptoms of Concussion

GET THE HELP YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT.

If you believe your child has a concussion, you should seek medical attention from a concussion specialist. In fact, NOWcare at The Center offers immediate concussion evaluation with no appointment. NOWcare is available MONDAY – FRIDAY, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. with same day ImPACT testing, if needed. Click here for more information.

Next, Dr. Ugalde’s weekly Friday Concussion Clinic at The Center offers support to those experiencing longer-term concussion symptoms. Call 541-322-2214 for more information.

In addition, if your child plays high school sports in Central Oregon, your high school athletic trainer is available during school hours. Find your high school athletic trainer HERE.

Get the support your child needs to safely recover from a concussion.

GET YOUR CHILD BACK IN THE GAME SAFELY

We are passionate about getting Central Oregon youth the care they need when they have experienced a concussion. To this end, we follow a research-based model of management in treating concussions. Like you, our focus is on getting your child healthy, and safely returning them to the activity they love.

Additionally, we strive to provide the most current concussion information on these pages. However, if you do not find what you are looking for here, please contact us.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See our Terms of Use for more information.

 

Page References:
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/concussion_symptoms.html