Concussion Symptoms: What You Need to Know

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What You Need to Know: Symptoms of Concussion
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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.

Posted on BrainLine July 25, 2018. Reviewed March 28, 2019.

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.

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Comments (92)

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.

misc take replied on

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

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

Ma'am you definitely have a concussion you might need a doctor

Deborah Elliott replied on

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

I know you should go to the doctor right away

Gabrielle replied on

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

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

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

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

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

My daughter got a concussion surfing, her surfboard was thrown up in the air during a wipeout and slammed back down on her head. I took her to the urgent care, then we were sent to the ER. Then a follow up visit to her regular doctor. My daughter ended up with postconcussion syndrome for the following ten months, in and out of school, missing the opportunity to take her drivers test and get her drivers license, terrible headaches, setbacks, confusion, all because she was not treated properly. That's impossible, is what you're thinking. How can that be? I took her to all those doctors. Unfortunately, none of those doctors are trained to know what to do in the case of a concussion to get the maximum recovery or to know the right preventative measures. So, I am passing on this invaluable knowledge to you - After seeing the neurologist, we found out that if my daughter simply rested her brain for the first few days, she would not have had post concussion syndrome and would have gone on to lead a normal life for the next ten months. So, if you have a concussion, or a suspected concussion, after seeing a neurologist, and not a normal general practitioner, get complete brain rest, that means no TV, no smart phones or computers, no reading, no conversations, no mental stimulus of any kind and this will give the brain the chance it needs to start healing.

swingincat replied on

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...

Anonymous replied on

I recently hit my head on a tree and I'm nervous if I have one. Would that have given me one?

Anonymous replied on

Falling face first on a ceramic tile floor in my home was no picnic. I had multiple bodily injuries, not to mention an mTBI. The mistake I made was not calling 911 and being transported to the ER. Please get emergency medical help ASAP! The ride to the hospital was too long and too much pain to endure. The sooner you are disgnosed and treated, the better, especially if you have had a previous blow to the headband a concussion. It's been 3 months. I am getting better slowly, following doctors orders to the letter.

Anonymous replied on

I was riding a bike and hit my head very heard so hard in fact that I split the side of my head open the first thing to go through my mind (keep in mind I'm 12) was "THIS IS THE WAY I DIE IM GONNA DIE!!!" so I'm screaming my head off and my mom rushes over and I had to go to get my head glued shut my mom is a doctor so she did it herself she asked me if I felt dizzy I said yes and it hasn't worn off yet. My head still spins in harsh light and I have a headache I'm nauseous and I think I have one what do I do if I tell my mom she'll think I'm overreacting!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous replied on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Anonymous replied on

I am a goal keeper too and blocked a ball with my face. It hit the side of my temple and I am experiencing most of the symptoms. I would recommend anyone with any/all of these to see their trainer and tell their parents immediately. The trainer can administer an impact test that will help him or her evaluate the severity and begin a back-to-play plan to get you on the field. You should not keep playing because further impacts can cause worse damage and you will be out of play for much longer.

Anonymous replied on

Don't be afraid. Ask your parents to take you to the doc. It's better to be sure you are okay.

Anonymous replied on

To the soccer-playing student who wrote the last comment: it's not uncommon for a young person to worry that they are going to be accused of "looking for attention." After all, adults throw that statement at kids all the time. But I would urge you to think of the word "attention" in another way... YES, you should be asking for attention. Medical attention. There's no shame in listening to your body, and wanting to keep yourself healthy and safe. Be a responsible athlete: seek medical attention, so you can be the best player you can be for your team.

Anonymous replied on

I have a very minor case of almost all the symptoms above, and have been having them since I got a nice smack to head when I blocked a shot in goal with my face in soccer. I'm afraid to tell my parents though, because it's fairly minor, and I'm worried they'll think I'm making it up for attention

Anonymous replied on

I had a work accident that ended in a concussion. I was dizzy, lack of balance, and it sounded like everything was echoing in a tin can.  It lasted for 2 months but they sent me back to work and said I was ok. Now 4 years later I am realizing I have memory loss and nerve damage that I can't prove.

Anonymous replied on

I didn't realize till last year, which was a year after I had a concussion that it was traumatic brain injury.  I found this out from a friend whose son had a TBI.  This is a great site.  The TBI was from a fall on a thin patch of ice and I didn't think anything about it at first.  I got very confused and had a hard time in school.  The doctors in emergency just told me to rest and gave me medicine.  I wish I knew more about concussions and TBI's at the time of the accident on 02/09/2015. 

Anonymous replied on

I don't ever get headaches, but I've had a pounding headache for the past two days, ever since I got elbowed in the eye at cheer. Is this something I should see a doctor about? The physical trainer made me put ice over my eye but this headache is really bothering me and it seems there's nothing I can do for it. My coach told me to not take any headache medicine or any pain relievers, is that advice I should take seriously?

Anonymous replied on

I have all the symptoms of a concussion that I suffered many years ago. All my doctors that treated me  never asked me if I had a concussion that caused the symptoms. I still suffer daily with all the symptoms. Is there anything I can do to help myself live a somewhat normal life? Thank you kindly for your reply.

Anonymous replied on

Should I seek myself medical attention even if it is 3 days after three days out?

Anonymous replied on

Can you get a concussion from heading a soccer ball repeatedly for about 20 minutes?

Anonymous replied on

Can you get dizzy with concussion?

Anonymous replied on

My son suffered a head concussion a year a ago and his memory is not well yet, and is muddy. How long can it last.?

Anonymous replied on

My mother 78 was I a car accident an suffered a serous concussion. The accident was 4 months ago and she still is tired all the time and feels like she has all foggy things in her brain how long does a concussion usually last especially in an elderly person she's had two CT scans both are clear what can we do to help her with this foggy feeling that she has.

Anonymous replied on

How many concussions can a person get before permanent brain damage sets in?

Anonymous replied on

I got hit in the head 2 days ago. I have a a headache neck pain, sensitive to loud noises, and always sleepy. What should I do?

Anonymous replied on

I was snowboarding while wearing a helmet and landed on my neck and hit my head, I don't have ringing in my ears or nausea but my eyes are feeling very tired. I am not sure what it could be

Anonymous replied on

When I go to sleep, I I have to prop myself up with pillows. When I lay straight down my head would be spinning. Is that part of concussion?

Anonymous replied on

I also like to say that it is very important to talk to your doctor ASAP to ask for advice and give you directions to what you are at risk for. I now know things like being in a nursing home not once but multiple times at man in the 40s this is a hard time. i am home now but please let your friends and family members know what you think and know also many states have laws on head injury and tbi and driving. it also important that you know that once you have head injury it increases the risk of developing more problems . It like my dr said you loose 4 points per head injury but gain 2 points .

Anonymous replied on

Hello my name is VeronicaRenee Bondoc & I have had to live with having T.B.I. since March 19, 2006.

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