Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

Head injury resulting in a concussion are known to be associated with injury to the spine and/or neck. Considerable care should be given prior to moving anyone who has suffered a head injury.

Symptoms may not be immediately apparent, or be understated. Duration of the symptoms can vary - lasting days, weeks or longer.

Most commonly obvious are headache, loss of memory, and confusion. These symptoms may or may not follow a loss of consciousness.

Other signs and symptoms may range from severe to mile and include:

• Headache or head pressure
• Disorentation
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Excessive drowsiness
• Dizziness/vertigo
• Memory losss of events before the injury or immediately after
• Vacant stare
• Delayed verbal/motor response
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred/incoherent speech
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred/double vision
• Emotional liability
• Inability to focus

Symptoms that require emergency attention by a medical provider include but are not limited to:

• Convulsions or seizures
• Changes in speech (slurred, difficult to understand, not making sense)
• Persistent confusion
• Persistent unconsciousness
• Mobility problems (unable to walk)
• Unusual eye movement, unequal pupils
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Fever
• Repeated vomiting
• Fluid or blood leaking from the nose or ears

Other symptoms may persist or may not appear until hours later:

• Irritability or other changes in personality
• Disturbances with sleep
• Concentration or memory issues
• Sensitivity to light and noise