What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function.
Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.
Falls are the most common cause of concussion. Concussions are also common if you play a contact sport, such as football or soccer. Most people usually recover fully after a concussion.
Some concussions cause you to lose consciousness, but most do not.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately.Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer.
Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
Other signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- "Seeing stars"
A witness may observe these signs and symptoms in the concussed person:
- Temporary loss of consciousness (though this doesn't always occur)
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Dazed appearance
- Forgetfulness
- Concentration and memory complaints
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological adjustment problems and depression
- Disorders of taste and smell
Symptoms in children
Head trauma is very common in young children. But concussions can be difficult to recognize in infants and toddlers because they can't describe how they feel.
Concussion clues may include:
- Dazed appearance
- Listlessness and tiring easily
- Irritability and crankiness
- Loss of balance and unsteady walking
- Excessive crying
- Change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Lack of interest in favorite toys
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-
20355594
