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Concussion Signs, Causes, And Symptoms

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
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Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

With the football season and the summer period in full swing, it is very important to remember what kind of injuries you can get due to accidents and negligence. You should know about the symptoms, causes, and warning signs of traumas. So, one example of an injury from a fall or blow would be a concussion. 

While concussions are usually not life-threatening, they should not be taken lightly. If you think you may have a concussion, seek medical attention right away. 

Symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person but may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and memory loss. The cause of a concussion can also vary – it could be from a fall, car accident, or sports injury. However, knowing the warning signs is essential to seek them properly. Read on to find out all the details of this disease.

 

Concussion: What Is It?

 

what is concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can occur when you hit your head or when an object hits your head. 

This condition is often caused by:

  • Car accidents.
  • Falls.
  • Sports-related injuries.
  • Fights.

Concussions can be mild and severe. It also has short- and long-term effects: 

  • While mild can lead to memory, concentration and balance loss.
  • Severe concussions can lead to more serious consequences like seizures, coma, and death.

Treatment for a concussion usually involves rest and limiting activities that can make symptoms worse. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help with headaches or sleep problems. 

Physical or occupational therapy may also be recommended to help with recovery. Most people with a concussion recover within a few weeks, but some experience symptoms for months or longer.

 

What Are The Symptoms Of Concussion In Adults

What are the symptoms of concussion in adults

Most head traumas will present with some combination of the following symptoms:

  • Headache.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Noise sensitivity.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Sleep disturbance (trouble falling asleep or sleeping more than usual).
  • Problems with balance.
  • Problems with thinking or concentration (feeling like you’re in a fog).
  • Troubles with memory.
  • Mood changes (irritability, sadness, anxiety, or feeling more emotional).

The signs and symptoms of a concussion may appear immediately after the injury or may not be noticeable for hours or days. These symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer. If you think you or someone you know may have a concussion, you should consider visiting the doctor.

 

The Concussion Side Effects in Children

The Concussion side effects in children

Concussion symptoms in children may be different from those in adults. In addition to the symptoms listed above, concussion symptoms in children may include: 

  • Loss of balance and unsteady walking.
  • Excessive crying.
  • Changes in eating habits and the amount of sleep.
  • No interest in favorite toys.
  • Irritability or crankiness.
  • Poor energy or activity level.
  • Sadness.
  • Increased fearfulness.
  • Clinginess.

If your child has had a head injury and exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor immediately.

 

What Are Warning Signs of a Concussion?

There are a few warning signs that may indicate a more severe concussion. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following after a head injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Among the warning signs there are: 

  • Answering questions slowly.
  • Demonstrating changes in mood, behavior, or personality.
  • Loss of consciousness, even if it’s just for a few seconds.
  • Persistent headache that gets worse over time.
  • Increasing vomiting or nausea.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Drowsiness or trouble waking up.
  • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
  • Worsening confusion or irritability.
  • Seizures or convulsions.
  • Increasing bruising around the injury site.
  • Clear fluid drainage from the nose or ears.

Even if the symptoms seem mild, concussions can have serious long-term effects.

 

When You Need to Visit a Doctor

If you or someone you know has had a head injury, it’s important to watch for signs and symptoms of concussion. Another way to know if I have a concussion is to visit the doctor. If you notice the following symptoms, you should seek for medical help: 

  • Intense, extended headache in different head parts constantly changes its nature but does not disappear.
  • Change in speech, lack of coordination.
  • Repeated vomiting.
  • Involuntary muscle contractions.
  • Violation of the blood circulation of the brain and subsequently loss of consciousness.
  • Bright and reusable symptoms within 10-14 days.
  • Increase or subsidence of symptoms (vomiting, weakness).
  • Lethargy, outbursts of emotions.

 

You can figure out about concussion do’s and don’ts in our other article.

 

What Causes a Concussion?

The brain of each person has a consistency similar to gelatin. Every day we make head movements that shock and soften the brain due to the cerebrospinal fluid inside our head.

During a hard blow to the head or neck, our brain may begin to slide back and forth inside the skull. Your brain can be affected by a sudden acceleration or deceleration in head movement. This can occur as a result of: 

  • An accident.
  • Impact.
  • Fall.
  • Other sudden movements in the head area.

What causes a concussion

Injuries like these can affect how your brain works. This is most often associated with short-term changes in your: 

  • Behavior.
  • Thinking.
  • Perception.
  • And other symptoms of a person’s concussion.

 

A concussion can make you more sleepy, tired, and confused. This is because there is a cerebral haemorrhage. The above mentioned signs may appear immediately after the trauma, but head injury symptoms can also reveal themselves days later and sometimes weeks. However, as a rule, such damages don’t go unnoticed and have consequences. Therefore, you should see a doctor after a solid blow to the head, even if you do not feel signs of a concussion. 

Sometimes a cerebral haemorrhage can be fatal and lead to death. If you feel that your symptoms are worsening and it becomes more challenging for you to speak, think and understand what is happening around you, it’s the best time to see a doctor because your life may depend on it.

 

Where Can I Get Appropriate Treatment? 

An important step in the treatment of any disease is its diagnosis. Most often, such an injury as a concussion can be determined using a neurological examination. The test includes checking:

  • The vision.
  • Hearing.
  • Strength.
  • Sensitivity.
  • Reflexes of a person. 

Coordination and balance tests are also carried out. The last thing that is checked is cognitive testing. All these tests are responsible for indicators of memory, concentration, and assessment of perception of information.

In addition, patients with more severe symptoms such as convulsions, persistent vomiting, headache, brain integrity should be checked. This is done by using x-rays. The image shows the nature of the damage and indicates whether there is cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral edema. Suppose you feel that you are constantly sick after a fall from a bicycle or as a result of a fight. In that case, you lose consciousness and cannot usually exist. Most likely, you have a severe stage that requires the immediate intervention of a specialist.    

Where can I get appropriate treatment

As far as treatment is concerned, the methods differ depending on the damage to your brain. In almost all mild concussions, rest is the best treatment. This includes rejection of:

  • Sports.
  • Work with physical activity.
  • Household chores with the need to actively work with head and neck.

In addition, you will also need to get rid of heavy loads on the functional part of the brain. Therefore, you will need to keep your screen time to a minimum

 

You can read more about recovery from concussion in our Lone Star blog.

 

Remember:

  • Watching TV, using a phone, computer or other devices, and reading books will be prohibited during concussion treatment.
  • You will also need to give up studies and other activities that require active thinking participation.

Surgical intervention is indispensable in cases where the concussion is more severe, and the cerebral haemorrhage has already occurred.

To get the effective treatment, use the contact button on our website and wait for the answer. Remember that only a doctor can tell if you have a concussion and prescribe the right treatment.  

 

FAQs  

  • What do you do for a severe concussion?

A mild concussion is accompanied by a loss of consciousness for 30 and more minutes. If you notice symptoms are worsening, you should consult the doctor immediately.

  • Can a person realize they have a concussion?

In general, yes. But sometimes, the concussion symptoms can be subtle and may not appear immediately. It can take days and even weeks. As a result, you can have this problem but don’t even realize it with no symptoms.

  • Can you go to sleep with a concussion?

Generally, adults and children can safely sleep after a concussion once they have visited their doctor or an emergency room. Although sleeping after a concussion is considered safe, assessing a person’s symptoms when asleep is more challenging.

  • How dangerous is it if I don’t see a doctor when I have a concussion?

If you don’t want to visit the doctor after trauma, you can develop bleeding or a blood clot that can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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