What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally functions.

Most concussions occur during practice or games in any sport, as well as from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth within the skull. Most concussions do not result in a loss of consciousness and most people recover within a few days to weeks.

However, concussions are complex injuries that can have both short and long-term effects that can impair many aspects of a person’s health – physical, neuro- logical, cognitive and psychological.

Each case of a suspected or known concussion should be evaluated by an experienced multidisciplinary team to effectively diagnose, treat and manage the injury and advise on when it is safe to return to play or learning.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after an injury or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury.

It is important to watch for changes in how your child is acting or feeling, if symptoms are getting worse, or if he or she just “doesn’t feel right.” If your child or teen reports one or more of the symptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek the advice of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in concussion management.

Children and teens are among those at greatest risk for concussion.

Signs that might be observed:

  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about events
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Repeats questions
  • Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall
  • Can’t recall events after the hit, bump, or fall
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Forgets class schedule or assignments

Symptoms that might be reported:

Thinking/Remembering:

  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Feeling more slowed down
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

Physical:

  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Fatigue or feeling tired
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Does not “feel right”

Emotional:

  • Irritable
  • Sad
  • More emotional than usual
  • Nervous

Sleep:

  • Drowsy
  • Sleeps less than usual
  • Sleeps more than usual
  • Has trouble falling asleep