What You Need to Know About Concussion

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a disturbance in brain function following a direct blow to the head or violent shaking of the head. Because most concussions do not lead to a loss of consciousness, the signs of a concussion may not be immediately apparent.

Short-term symptoms of concussion may include:

  • headache
  • confusion
  • amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
  • nausea
  • slurred speech
  • dizziness
  • fatigue

Delayed symptoms (appearing hours or days after injury) may include:

  • irritability or personality changes
  • sleep disturbances
  • sensitivity to light and noise
  • issues with concentration and memory
  • disorders of taste and smell
Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
August 29, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
September 4, 2014