Concussions - Traumatic Brain Injury - Cause - Symptoms - Treatment

Concussion Symptoms Need to be Evaluated by a Doctor
For those children and adults who have recently sustained a concussion, effects of their concussion can be subtle and often aren't noticed before the person attempts to return to school or work. Immediately following a concussion, it is crucial to watch and observe the individual to ascertain if the signs and symptoms are becoming worse. To determine whether the person has had a concussion or a more serious injury, it's suggested that they go to the nearest hospital emergency room to have formal diagnostic testing to determine the presence and/or extent of the injuries.

For how long are concussion signs and symptoms expected to last?
Although signs and symptoms vary between people, almost everyone has signs and symptoms that resolve inside a couple of days. For individuals with signs and symptoms that keep going longer than ten days, they might be identified with publish-concussive syndrome. This is a group of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that last longer than the expected recovery time. It often occurs when a person either has a serious concussion or has had more than one concussions or brain injuries.

What exactly are the common concussion signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of concussion are frequently divided into 3 groups: physical, cognitive and emotional. Physical symptoms refer to those which impact the feeling of the body. Cognitive signs refer to an individuals thinking skills or mental capacity. Emotional or psychological symptoms refer to how the person is coping with the injury and adjusting to it mentally. Not everyone with a concussion will have the same symptoms.

Physical Signs and symptoms
  • headache
  • light headedness
  • sensitivity to noise or light/visual stimulation
  • tinnitus
  • balance issues
  • sleep problems
Cognitive Signs and symptoms
  • feeling "foggy" or "cloudy"
  • difficulty paying attention
  • memory loss
  • difficulty focusing in busy environments
  • problems with multi-tasking
Emotional Symptoms
  • becoming easily angry or sad
  • depression
  • not feeling "like yourself"
  • anxiety
  • paranoia

If you are a loved one are experiencing concussion symptoms after having a blow to their head, it is important to seek medical advice. The brain is an extremely fragile organ and swelling can cause permanent damage. Should permanent damage occur, your doctor can help you find appropriate concussion treatment options. Head injuries Concussions are not to be taken lightly and should be addressed immediately. If not treated, post-concussion syndrome can be developed and the concussed individual will have an even harder time returning to work, school and being able to be independent.