Concussion clues: symptoms of a concussion you shouldn’t ignore.

What are the most common symptoms of a concussion?

A concussion can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

• Headache. Often the most immediate symptom. It can range from a dull ache to sharp pain.
• Confusion or disorientation. Feeling “out of it” or struggling to stay focused.
• Dizziness. You may feel lightheaded or unsteady.
• Nausea or vomiting. This can occur soon after the injury.
• Blurry vision. Problems focusing your eyes or seeing clearly.
• Sensitivity to light or noise. Bright lights or loud sounds may make symptoms worse.
• Balance issues. You may have trouble walking straight or keeping your balance.

It’s important to note that these symptoms might not all appear right away. In some cases, they could develop over hours or even days.

Early vs. delayed symptoms of a concussion: what to watch for

Some concussion symptoms show up immediately, while others can take time to develop. Here’s a breakdown:

Early symptoms often happen within minutes or hours after the injury, while delayed symptoms can occur over the next several days. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on someone even if they seem fine after the injury.

What happens if you ignore concussion symptoms?

Ignoring concussion symptoms can lead to severe complications. While it might seem like the symptoms will go away on their own, not addressing them can have long-term effects on your health.

Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore a concussion:

• Second-impact syndrome. If you experience another head injury before the first one heals, it can cause serious brain swelling, which can lead to severe consequences—even death.
• Chronic symptoms. Without treatment, you may suffer from ongoing headaches, dizziness and fatigue for weeks or months.
• Cognitive problems. Ignoring a concussion can result in memory issues, difficulty concentrating and trouble focusing, which can impact work, school, or daily life.
• Mood changes. Concussions can also affect your mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, or irritability.

Don’t risk your health by ignoring concussion symptoms. If you’ve had a head injury, visit CityMD for an evaluation. Getting the proper care can help prevent long-term issues and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

When to seek medical attention for a concussion.

If your symptoms are severe after head trauma, you should go to the emergency room immediately to have imaging of your head done to rule out potential brain bleeding - those symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Severe headache or confusion.
• Loss of consciousness. Even if it’s brief, this is a sign of a more severe injury.
• Repeated vomiting. This could indicate increased pressure on the brain.
• Seizures. Any seizure activity should be treated as an emergency.

If you do not have the above symptoms but do have symptoms of a mild to moderate headache, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, difficulty focusing, it is reasonable to seek medical advice at an urgent care regarding management of your post concussive symptoms, or to see if advanced care at an emergency department is needed.

We are here to help, stop by at your local CityMD if you feel that you may have suffered a concussion.