Download Article
Download Article
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that most often occurs when someone is hit in the head. Concussions can also occur due to falling, physical abuse, vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian collisions, and injuries from contact sports such as rugby and football. Though the effects of a concussion are usually temporary, a person with a suspected concussion should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Repeated concussions can cause serious damage to the brain, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). [1] X Research source Though it may seem like a scary situation, most people with concussions fully recover within a few days. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Steps
-
Determine if the victim has lost consciousness. Not everyone who gets a concussion will lose consciousness, but some people do. This is the most obvious sign that someone has a concussion. If the person has blacked out after a blow to the head, seek emergency medical treatment. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Watch for slurred or unclear speech. Ask the person some basic questions such as, “What is your name?” and “Do you know where you are?” If their answers are delayed, slurred, don’t make sense, or are hard to understand, they may have a concussion.Advertisement
-
Find out if the victim is confused or doesn’t remember what happened. If the person has a blank stare, seems confused, or doesn’t know where they are, it could be a sign of a brain injury. If they seem dazed, don’t remember what happened, or appear to have memory loss, they likely have a concussion. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Watch for nausea or vomiting. If someone vomits, especially repeatedly, after being hit in the head or involved in another type of accident, this usually indicates a concussion. If they haven’t vomited, ask them if they feel nauseated or have an upset stomach, which may also be a sign of a concussion.
-
Look for impaired balance or coordination. People with concussions often have problems with their motor skills, such as being unable to walk in a straight line or catch a ball. If the person is having trouble with these things or has a delayed reaction time, they likely have a concussion.
-
Ask the victim if they have a headache, blurred vision, or feel dizzy. A headache that lasts more than a few minutes is a common sign of a concussion. [5] X Expert Source Scott Anderson, MA, ATC, SFMA, DNSP
Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Specialist Expert Interview. 24 March 2020. Blurred vision, “seeing stars,” and/or feelings of dizziness or fogginess may also indicate a concussion. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source -
Watch the person carefully for 3-4 hours. If you suspect a concussion, the person should be carefully monitored for the next several hours. Symptoms of a concussion often change over a period of time. [7] X Expert Source Scott Anderson, MA, ATC, SFMA, DNSP
Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Specialist Expert Interview. 24 March 2020. It’s not a good idea to leave them alone, in case they end up needing emergency medical treatment. If possible, arrange for someone to stay with the person for at least a few hours after the incident and monitor their behavior.
Advertisement
-
Look for symptoms over the next several days or weeks. While some concussion symptoms show up immediately, some don’t appear until days or weeks afterwards. Even if the person seemed fine after the incident, they may begin to show signs of a concussion later on.
- The victim may exhibit signs such as slurred speech, confusion, nausea or vomiting, impaired balance or coordination, dizziness, blurred vision, or headache.
- These symptoms could indicate medical issues other than a concussion, so it’s important to have the person examined by a healthcare provider.
-
Watch for changes in mood and behavior over the next month. Sudden changes in behavior or mood often indicate a concussion. If the person seems grouchy, irritable, angry, sad, or otherwise emotional, seemingly without a reason, they may have a concussion. If the person becomes violent, acts out, or loses interest in their favorite things or activities, this can also indicate a concussion. [8] X Research source
-
Determine if they have sensitivity to light or sound. People that are suffering from concussions are often more sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. If these things make the person cringe or complain of pain, or if they have ringing in their ears, they may have a concussion. [9] X Research source
-
Recognize changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Look for behavior that contradicts their usual patterns or habits. If the person has lost their appetite or is eating much more than normal, it could be a sign of a concussion. Similarly, if the person has trouble sleeping or is sleeping excessively, they may have a concussion. [10] X Research source
-
Find out if the victim has problems with memory or concentration. Even if the person seems clear-headed after the incident, they may develop issues later on. If they seem unfocused, unable to concentrate, or have trouble remembering things that happened either before or after the incident, they likely have a concussion. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
-
Watch for excessive crying in children. If the person that you suspect may have a concussion is a child, determine if they seem to be crying more than usual. Though most of the concussion symptoms are the same in children and adults, children may cry excessively because they are in pain, feeling off, or don’t know how to express what is wrong. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Advertisement
-
Seek emergency medical care for seizures, difficulty breathing, or fluid leaking from the ears. If the victim doesn’t respond or wake up after losing consciousness, experiences worsening headaches, vomits repeatedly, has blood or fluid leaking from the ears and nose, has a seizure, difficulty breathing, or slurred speech, take them to the emergency room immediately. These symptoms could indicate a very serious brain injury. [13] X Research source
-
Get a medical evaluation for anyone with a suspected concussion within 1-2 days. Even if emergency medical treatment isn’t required, all head injuries should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional. If you suspect someone has a concussion, take them to the doctor within 2 days of the incident. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Get immediate medical attention if the victim’s symptoms worsen. In general, the symptoms of a concussion decrease over time. If the opposite is happening and the person experiences worsening pain, such as headache, and/or increased fatigue, seek immediate medical attention. These signs could indicate a more serious injury.
-
Follow the prescribed treatment plan. Usually, bed rest is prescribed for people with concussions. This includes both physical and mental rest, meaning the person should avoid physical activity (like exercise) as well as strenuous mental activity (such as playing video games or doing crossword puzzles). Be sure to rest for as long as the doctor recommends, and always follow any other treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
-
Avoid exercise and activity until cleared by a doctor. If the victim got a concussion while playing a sport, exercising, or doing another physical activity, remove the person from the game or activity. They should not resume the activity until evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is a contact sport in which they may get hit again.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?Scott Anderson is the Chief Clinical Officer at SyncThink, an award winning startup founded out of Stanford University. Scott previously served as the Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Training for Stanford University for over ten years from 2007 to 2017. Scott has over 18 years of clinical and management experience, and is a recognized international speaker on topics of clinical specialization, which include developmental kinesiology, neuroscience/concussion, and movement dysfunction. He is a certified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Practitioner (DNSP), Sports Safety Specialist and is certified to conduct Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA), and Functional Movement Screenings (FMS). He earned a BS in Athletic Training from Washington State University in 2000 and an MA in Athletic Administration from Saint Mary's College in 2002.A neurological specialist will be able to rule out other problems, like cervical injury, that can have similar symptoms to a head injury.
-
QuestionIs it ok to take Ibuprofen if there's a possible concussion?Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.Ibuprofen, sold under the brand name Motrin, is an NSAID drug. As such, it effects platelet function, and can be associated with bleeding. As a concussion may have a small amount of cerebral hemorrhage, you should not take Ibuprofen (Motrin), as it potentiates the bleeding. Discuss this with your physician so he can give specific advice your your situation if analgesic medications are needed.
-
QuestionAre intermittent headaches a symptom of a concussion?Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.Yes, it is possible. Post-concussion headaches can vary and may also feel like a tension headache or even a migraine. Sometimes the tension-type headache can be caused from a neck injury that happened at the same time of the head injury. If you have a concern, you should talk to a doctor -- especially if memory loss or confusion is also present.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Minor bumps may not be a concussion and the injured person may respond adequately and have no complaints. It is still a good measure to keep a close watch for emergency signs, especially vomiting, sluggish speech, or disorientation.Thanks
- Always monitor the victim for a long period after the injury to be sure they do not worsen. Allow them to rest, but awaken them every so often and ask them questions.Thanks
- The recovery time from a concussion may last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. This differs for each person and individual injury.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- A serious head injury can result in a coma if the victim is not treated immediately.Thanks
- Repeated injury to the brain can lead to brain swelling, long-term disabilities, or death. You are more likely to suffer repeated concussions if you do not allow the brain to heal after an initial concussion.Thanks
- Severity of a head injury may be difficult to assess but if someone is knocked unconscious call emergency services . Brain hemorrhage should be ruled out and may not exhibit symptoms right away. A slow bleed could affect the person days after injury.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.bu.edu/cte/about/frequently-asked-questions/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- ↑ Scott Anderson, MA, ATC, SFMA, DNSP. Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- ↑ Scott Anderson, MA, ATC, SFMA, DNSP. Sports Medicine & Injury Prevention Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 March 2020.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/concussions.html
- ↑ https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Concussion
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/concussions.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/concussion/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/concussion/
- ↑ https://www.brainline.org/qa/when-go-hospital
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/concussion/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To tell if a person has a concussion after they hit their head, ask them basic questions, like “What is your name?” or “What day is it?” Listen for slurred speech or signs of confusion, which may be a sign of a concussion. In addition, watch them carefully for signs of dizziness, nausea, or disorientation. If you suspect a person has a concussion, stay with them for about 3-4 hours in case they need medical assistance, and bring them to a doctor within 1-2 days. If the person loses consciousness, they almost certainly have a concussion and may need emergency medical treatment. For tips from our medical reviewer on how to treat a concussion, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,301,698 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Very detailed, but kept my attention. Gave steps to not only recognize a concussion, but to seek treatment for it. Bravo." ..." more
Advertisement
89%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Very detailed, but kept my attention. Gave steps to not only recognize a concussion, but to seek treatment for it. Bravo."
..."
more
"Thank you so much. My boyfriend fell down the stairs and I wanted to make sure he was okay. Thank you."
"It is helpful, because not often can you find info like this for a child."
"All the facts were interesting to learn and know. Thank you."
"Don't take ibuprofen, refrain from brain stimulus."
