6 Signs of a Concussion

A head injury is a scary experience, not just for the person who goes through it but also for the others who witness it. And no matter where you work or how you spend your free time, it’s a good idea to be aware of the possible side effects of a concussion so you can recognize it right away.

At Injury and Health Urgent Care, we focus on helping patients with injuries and other urgent medical needs. Our providers — Melissa Kempf, MD and Shannon Wait, DNP, APRN, FNP-C — offer immediate care for a head injury, but it’s important that you know when a bump on the head has turned into a serious problem. 

Recognizing a concussion: 6 signs of the condition

A concussion is an injury that occurs when you hit your head or your body moves in such a way that causes your brain to move quickly back and forth inside your skull. This can create changes in the brain that lead to a deprivation of normal brain function for a time. 

Athletics are a common cause of concussions, leading to 3.8 million of them a year. But someone who has a dangerous job, an older person who’s more likely to fall down, or anyone who drives a car and gets into an accident could potentially risk a concussion. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize one. 

As such, we know it’s necessary for our patients to be aware of the danger of concussions. And if you notice you or someone near you is exhibiting these signs and symptoms, it’s important to get them to urgent or emergency care right away. 

1. Temporary memory loss

If a person experiences a head trauma, it’s important to first ensure that they seem to have all their faculties. There’s a reason why people in sports are often asked questions after a hit. Their trainers are looking for any signs of memory loss, which shows an inability to remember significant details, especially just before or after the hit. 

2. Dazed look

It’s also common for a person who has just experienced a concussion to look or feel dazed or confused. They may seem stunned, and it may take them a moment to answer a question or respond to you. These effects may not be extreme, or they may be very clear. It depends on the person and the injury. 

3. Loss of consciousness 

Any time a person experiences a blow to the head or a whiplash injury (where the head and neck are jerked violently backward and forward), loss of consciousness for any period of time is a serious sign. Even if the person is only out for a few seconds, it’s absolutely necessary that they be evaluated for a concussion.

4. Nausea and vomiting 

After an injury to the head, feelings of nausea might not be as obvious to those around the person. But if you notice this in yourself, it’s a strong sign that something is wrong. Also, if you observe someone who has just had a head injury vomiting, this person should get evaluated for a concussion immediately. 

5. Vision problems 

Another symptom that is more subtle is vision problems. You might experience double or blurry vision or even sensitivity to light. It’s helpful to ask the person if they are having trouble seeing after an injury because you won’t be able to tell unless it’s happening to you. 

6. Change in personality 

In some cases, injuries like these aren’t noticed right away, and other side effects might start to surface. If you notice someone who experienced a head injury is becoming more irritable, anxious, emotional, or depressed — or if their sleep patterns change drastically — these can all be signs of an undiagnosed concussion. 

Concussions require medical attention

These types of mild traumatic brain injuries (or TBIs) need immediate treatment. If you think someone you know — or you yourself — might’ve experienced a concussion, get to an urgent care center or an emergency facility right away. 

To make an appointment at our San Antonio, Texas, office, call 210-879-3521 or visit us online today.