Recognition of Signs and Symptoms

Concussions usually cause symptoms immediately after the injury. The most common symptoms include headache, feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, nausea, feeling foggy, fatigue or tiredness, blurry vision, memory problems, and balance problems. Sometimes the actual symptoms do not show up immediately after the injury but show up over the next several days. If there has been a hit to the head and these symptoms begin, a concussion injury should be suspected. Some particular symptoms are more worrisome. Any loss of consciousness, increasing or worsening headache, muscle weakness, vomiting, or seizure should prompt the athlete to seek an immediate medical evaluation by a physician.

 

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Signs

Symptoms

Appears dazed

Headache

Confused about play

Nausea

Answers questions slowly

Balance problems

Personality/behavior change

Double vision

Forgets plays prior to play

Feeling sluggish

Forgets plays after the hit

Feeling foggy

Loses consciousness

Sleep problems

 

Dizziness

 

Difficulty remembering things

 

Difficulty concentrating