Recognition of Signs and Symptoms
by David R. Wiercisiewski, MD
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 |