A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Concussions are the result of a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Just like people, every concussion is unique. In fact, healthcare professionals in the field of brain injury often say, “If you’ve seen one concussion, you’ve seen one concussion.” Traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. Most signs or symptoms of a concussion are evident soon after the traumatic event, while you may only become aware of others days or weeks later.
The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a concussion:
General Symptoms of Concussion
- Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
- Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
- Getting lost or easily confused
- Feeling tired all of the time, having no energy or motivation
- Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
- Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Urge to vomit (nausea)
- Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
- Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Ringing in the ears
Most people make a good recovery from a concussion, but it’s important to take what may seem like just a bump on the head seriously. A common question is when should I go to the hospital for a concussion? If you or a loved one notices any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. Even seemingly minor bumps can result in life threatening brain bleeding or other serious conditions that can only be identified and treated in a hospital.
Children Concussion Symptoms
Children with a concussion can have the same symptoms as adults, but it is often harder for them to share how they feel. Call your child’s doctor if they have had a blow to the head and you notice any of these concussion symptoms:
- Tiredness or listlessness
- Irritability or crankiness (will not stop crying or cannot be consoled)
- Changes in eating (will not eat or nurse)
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in the way the child plays
- Changes in performance at school
- Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
- Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
- Loss of balance or unsteady walking
- Vomiting
Sometimes adults and children complain of “just not feeling like themselves.” Children often have a hard time explaining that they don't feel normal and it's up to the parents and their friends, family or coaches to know that they aren't acting like themselves and get them to rest or to seek medical attention.
About the Author
BrainLine offers authoritative information and support to anyone whose life has been affected by brain injury or PTSD: people with brain injuries, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.
BrainLine is a national service of WETA-TV, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C. Learn more >
Comments (119)
Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.
swingincat replied on Permalink
Very likely. Personality/mood changes, dizziness, clumsiness, and various sensitivities are all post-concussion syndrome symptoms. What most people don't know about concussions is that they can produce long-lasting symptoms that do not go away unless properly treated with therapy. I suffered 3+ concussions in my youth and only just got treatment for them after 10+ years of symptoms + not knowing why I was chronically ill. I went to Cognitive FX and highly recommend their treatment and their blog resources!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I was speed walking and wasn’t paying attention so I ran head first into a sharp tree branch, this was two or three days ago, my head hurts even to the slightest touch and there’s a small cut, there is constant pressure in between my eyes and in both my ears, what could this mean?
Anonymous replied on Permalink
So I got hit in the head playing football and I have a head ache and I’m sensitive to light I also feel like imma puke. Should I see and doctor or just keep going about my week?
diy replied on Permalink
my sister and i bumped heads pretty hard yesterday.. it’s been hurting ever since. i tried to take ibuprofen but it didn’t help. i feel very tired but when i try to sleep, i feel restless. the side where i hit my forehead hurts pretty badly when i touch it. i feel dizzy and don’t have an appetite as well. when i woke up this morning, i felt kind of lost.. is it possible i have a concussion?
Linda C replied on Permalink
yes, those are the symptoms, call your doctor. rest alot.
Samantha replied on Permalink
So i hit my head pretty hard around 11:40, I even bled a little. I had a pretty nasty headache afterwards and well it's 3.57 and i still feel a throbbing headache in the front and side of my head. I also noticed that I have been wanting to cry but I don't have a reason to cry. I also started feeling really nasty but my stomach has been giving me issues the past few days and I have high acid reflex so I'm not sure if im nauseous because of everything else or if it's because I might have a concussion. I felt really dizzy afterwards and my balance is slightly off but I've been a clutz my whole life. I'm not sure if I do have a concussion, but I feel off.
Kat replied on Permalink
In case this is helpful for anyone, I got a concussion a couple years ago from falling while running. Didn't hit my head, but kind of whiplashed it. The first symptom I noticed, the next morning, was severe hunger. I had unquenchable constant hunger pains for 2 solid days, no matter how much food I ate. The third day I drove across town and realized that, for sure, something was wrong with my head. Can't exactly describe what happened but being in a moving vehicle really messed with my head. At that point I knew I had a head injury. It didn't occur to me to go to the ER because it wasn't an emergency, and as long as I wasn't driving, I was quite functional. It took me three weeks to figure out what kind of doctor to see. I called my family doctor and the nurse told me I couldn't have a concussion since I didn't hit my head. Wrong. I think I called neurology and they couldn't help me. Finally a friend told me that sports medicine orthopedic offices often treat concussions. Sure enough, my orthopedic surgeon has a concussion clinic in his office. I had to fill out a survey for them to qualify to be seen -- checking if I had the symptoms of a concussion. The doctor said symptoms could last up to 6 months, and they did. I was just a little bit wonky in the head and if I was thinking hard, I would get a head ache. (Not great for a math teacher, but I survived.) And at exactly 6 months the symptoms went away.
Paige Sinclair replied on Permalink
Hey everyone, so today at work I was bending down and banged my head against a cupboard door. I didn’t loose consciousness, I don’t have memory loss, and after a minute everything was fine. Anyway my question is, I only have a slight headache from it, no other symptoms, but I am wondering whether it was a minor concussion or not. I didn’t pass out or anything, just, kind of, face planted on a cupboard door. I mean I don’t even feel a lump.
JC replied on Permalink
I had a concussion about two months ago and I have had digestive problems ever since. I don't know if this is from the injury or from taking Tylenol around the clock (no opioids for weeks). I'm hoping you'll say this will go away soon after I've recovered. Thanks!
PK replied on Permalink
My dad beat me up today. I had terrible headaches and I feel bloating. I am kind of worried because whenever I shake my head, I feel something throbbing and banging against the sides of my skull. I feel like I'm gonna die. I also feel bloating and I feel like i'm gonna throw up.
Josh replied on Permalink
If your dad did beat you up and is not taking you too the doctor and you feel heart please go to a friend and ask if they will take you too the doctor or something.
Natalie wood replied on Permalink
Have you called the police? Go to the hospital. He had no right to beat you.
Sharon replied on Permalink
I don know your age or circumstances. However, your Dad (or anyone else for that matter) shouldn't be beating you up! A father should be protecting you! You should report him! I know he's your father BUT, you really must protect yourself. I'm so sorry you are dealing with an issue such as this. May God bless & protect you
Alexis replied on Permalink
I have suffered from all these symptoms all my life, so are there any more I should know about, if not, should I see a doctor. I have fallen on my head twice so...
cattotherina replied on Permalink
So, the other day I was just walking home from school, and I stopped to go have fun with some kids at a playground near my house, Some kid swings me on a tire swing and I start getting nausea. Another kid comes up and kicks the tire swing and I fell off, I passed out for about 15 minutes and I went home with a migraine. Not sure if I have a concussion so if it sounds like I have a concussion just like leave a comment and I'll go to the doctors for a test.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Yes, you need to see a doctor.
Casey replied on Permalink
Apparently I fainted and hit my head and I have a ringing in my ears and my head hurts but my eyes aren’t that sensitive to light? Should I still see a doctor? I gotta move to a different house today so kinda can’t have a concussion...
Anonymous replied on Permalink
"If you notice ANY of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away." It sounds like you have a headache AND ringing in the ears. Both of those symptoms listed above. I hope you get medical attention.
Shelly replied on Permalink
Hi everyone, last Sunday evening I was leading a horse, another horse charged at her and she jumped and her head hit the side of my head with a lot of force, I heard my neck go wrenchhh. Anyway I had a horrible headache and on Monday I had a headache and slept on and off most of the day. Tuesday my head felt better but soon as I started getting active I got a headache. When I’m just sitting my head did not hurt, as of today same thing but my head fills like it has a little pressure where I got the initial bang. Iv has several head injuries throughout my life but have never experienced headaches. The area on the side of my head is bruising and very sore to the touch. Question is should I just rest through the weekend and if not better should I get it checked out?
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Yes. Get yourself checked out by a doctor!
Arielle replied on Permalink
Hey y’all, I suffered an acute concussion from a bottle falling on my head. Thankfully there was no cut or bruise from where it hit my head and the doctor said she saw no signs of brain bleeding (checked inside my ears, had me do some physical tests and checked my eyes and such) but I have severe anxiety and can’t stop thinking that it is. How can I over come this anxiety. The doctor did not think at all that I needed a CT scan, still offered one to me to help with my anxiety but did recommend against it due to it being pure radiation and me being so young and a female. Any tips would be helpful, thank you!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Get a CT any stop quessing help rule stuff out
Judy replied on Permalink
I just fell the other night in my bathroom and I was reading this section. I am glad I went to the hospital I did have a concussion now I have a black eye. The hospital how ever only kept me over night. I am 67 years old and I already have a titanium plate in my right temple exactly where I hit this the second time.
David replied on Permalink
hello everyone .. i have a question.. 12 months ago i was playing soccer and my friend accidentaly hit me in the head with his knee. i felt a bit dizzy and there was some liquid from my ear but no buzzing.. even to this day i still feel a mild pain in that spot.. and if i apply pressure it gets worse.. could that accident be the reason for my headaches even tho it was 12months ago ? thanks in advance
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I'm not a doctor or anything, but I don't think that could be a coincidence. If I was in your position, I'd get it checked out. You may suffer from brain damage or something. Just repeating myself, I am no doctor. Remember : This is just a suggestion, so you don't have to take my word or anything.
Hayes replied on Permalink
I have had two different concussions riding bulls and the more severe one they said if liquid comes out of your ears to go to the hospital because it can be a sign of a fractured skull so yes that’s most likely the source of it.
Amy replied on Permalink
I know this is dated; however, although I’m not a medical professional, I definitely think it could be related. The head and brain are quite mysterious, so get yourself to a doctor to be on the safe side!
misc take replied on Permalink
i fell at the bottom of the ski slope yesterday and hit the back of my head hard, i was wearing a helmet, it stunned me , i had a slight headache but I'm really just sore all over and neck...just scared me. do you think i should be worried?
Jatianna Miranda replied on Permalink
Everything looks blurry and my head hurts because I banged hard on the wall I cry constantly and walk like I’m gonna fall
bob joe replied on Permalink
Ma'am you definitely have a concussion you might need a doctor
Deborah Elliott replied on Permalink
I fell down my back porch steps on the ice last week and hit the back of my head quite hard and have a bad headache, felt dizzy after I got up, kinda felt nauseated and trouble focusing.
It happened Thursday and I still have a headache. I didn't have the money to go to doctors (it cost $50 for urgent care). How do I know if I have a concussion? What should I do so it gets better? I am 73 years old.
Nina replied on Permalink
I know you should go to the doctor right away
Gabrielle replied on Permalink
Hi Ms. Elliiot, I hope you are feeling better. I would see if there is possibly family or a friend who could take you somewhere. There may be other options I'd look into, since the Urgent Care's fee is a bit steep. I have a concussion and was advised that whenever I feel symptoms to stop what I was doing. For example, if I was on my phone and got a headache, get off of my phone. For me, resting helps, but that is not always an option. To that try to take it easy, and tell someone you trust so that you are not alone. A concussion is hard and you need a support system.
Maureen replied on Permalink
I just saw that you fell in February. I wondered how you were doing...I fell last night and am trying to decide if I should. Anyway I hope this note finds you and you are well.
Cara replied on Permalink
My brother is deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other. Confined to wheelchair . He fell and hit his head behind his rt ear. He has a lump and he says he is hearing music in his head. He also seems fuzzy and out of it .
Olivia replied on Permalink
Yesterday I had my Final for U13 Rep Hockey and my Head (Just Below my Left Eyebrow) got knocked (I think it was against another Girls Head.) It really Hurt and I had to step back from the attempted Tackle, I should have gone off for Ice but just toughed it out and didnt really think anything of it. I now have a Big Black Egg and a red spot on my eyelid. I think I may have a concussion but I am super afraid of how to tell my parents and I have no friends to talk to as It is school holiday. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Willie mclean replied on Permalink
I fainted and fell back on a concrete bathroom floor knocking myself out. I’m on my 5 week of not working or driving for the first time in my life. You should tell your parents right away. Concussions are nothing to play with.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
swingincat replied on Permalink
That was bad advice. What the neurologist described is an outdated method called "cocooning" that actually increases your chances of developing post-concussion syndrome. Recent research points toward a combination of rest & recovery -- light exercise, some reading/mental stimulation, and rest as needed. This article explains the combination fairly well, but it helps if you can find a doctor or therapist who can oversee the gradual increase in activity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201401/physical...
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Anonymous replied on Permalink
I went ice skating for the first time in 20 years and it is NOT like riding a bike...it is as hard as the first time! I am (was) a halfway decent skater and never fell...just had good balance. This time, however, just as I was getting back into the groove, I suddenly went BAM onto my back, feet out from under me and slammed my head on the ice so hard I heard a cracking sound...I REALLY hoped it was the ice and not my skull! My first thought was, "CRAP, now I'm going to have to go to the ER by ambulance with my 5-year-old and scare her to death," but she was totally calm. No bleeding, just a big goosegg and a wicked headache. I DID go to a walk-in Urgent Care, and I'm glad I did because I could relax and know that it was a mild concussion, and what to look out for in the next few days. The whiplash neck pain and allover body pain from the fall the next day was pretty bad, but the exhaustion was even worse. Don't let anyone tell you that if it's not diagnosed as a moderate or severe concussion that you don't need to take good care of yourself, you DO...and be sure if anything worsens or new symptoms appear that you go to the doctor, or call 911 if things are severe. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
Nancy replied on Permalink
I also had a fall like this and heard a crack, then felt pain shoot into my right ear, swallowed and that hurt as much.
Have Post-Concussion Syndrome and Peripheral Vertigo involving right ear.
No one in ER could explain the cracking sound or that sharp pain. Does anyone have insight as to what may have caused it? MRI showed slight swelling at base of Occipital bone.
Robin replied on Permalink
Slipped on ice, and experienced the exact same thing. You described it so well. Went home, rested. Two weeks later, I'm getting headaches and nausea, and don't know if it's late effect or a virus. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
For the young person who posted in January, tell your parents. If you don't have a great relationship with them, tell a coach or counselor. Feel better.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
To the child in school if you are afraid of telling your parents tell the school nurse or a relative you are close to. Get help I am sure your parents do not think you are faking.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
To soccer head blocker- you need to tell your parents or coach! The sooner the better. Maybe it's nothing, but better safe than sorry. And def more believable now than in a month when headaches get worse.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My parents never really suspect anything serious when I say something hurts they say it's just a headache or a pulled muscle but I have most of these symptoms and I have really bad headaches that won't go away. I haven't told my parents yet but any advice?
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I have all the above symptoms but I cant tell anyone because my grandma will say I'm overreacting and I'll get in trouble at school because it happened when my friend tried to pick me up and dropped me.
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