Signs of a concussion can vary but commonly include physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. Key signs to watch for are: Physical symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble walking or clumsiness
- Loss of smell or taste
Cognitive symptoms:
- Confusion or feeling "in a fog"
- Memory problems, especially amnesia about the injury event
- Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Slowed reaction times
- Answering questions slowly
- Forgetfulness or repeating questions
Emotional and behavioral symptoms:
- Irritability or mood changes
- Feeling more emotional, anxious, or depressed
Sleep disturbances:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
Signs observed by others:
- Appearing dazed or stunned
- Slurred speech
- Delayed responses
- Loss of consciousness (though this does not always occur)
In children and infants, signs may be harder to recognize but can include irritability, excessive crying, listlessness, loss of balance, vomiting, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Danger signs requiring immediate emergency care include:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion or agitation
- Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
- Unequal pupil sizes or vision changes
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Severe or worsening headache
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
Most concussion symptoms appear immediately or within hours but can sometimes develop days later and may last days to weeks or longer
