What You Need to Know About 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, 2014Citation:
University of Dallas Center for Brain Health, “Concussion” CDC, “Concussion in Sports and Play: Get the Facts” University of Pittsburgh, “Concussions” Journal of Head Trauma Rehabillitation, “The Epidemiology and Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury” Pediatrics, “Clinical Report--Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents” Mayo Clinic, “Concussion” Cleveland Clinic, “Concussion” Mayo Clinic, “Post-concussion syndrome” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, “When a minor head injury results in enduring symptoms: a prospective invest Stanford School of Medicine, “Stanford Epilepsy Center” Mayo Clinic, “Epilepsy” Ohio State University, “How a Concussion Can Lead to Depression Years Later” American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children with brain injuries nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression” Center for Advancing Health, “Teen Concussions Increase Risk for Depression” American Academy of Neurology, “After a Concussion, Which Teens Will Have Emotional Symptoms?” The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “Facts About Concussions” Boston University, “Frequently Asked Questions about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy” Courtesy of Maxim Samasiuk | Dreamstime Courtesy of Yobro10 | Dreamstime Courtesy of Craig ONeal, via Wikimedia Commons Courtesy of Vesna Njagulj | Dreamstime Courtesy of Ellobo1 | Dreamstime Courtesy of Photographerlondon | Dreamstime Courtesy of Alexander Raths | Dreamstime Courtesy of Tyler Olson | Dreamstime Courtesy of Alon Othnay | Dreamstime Courtesy of Sebastian Kaulitzki | Dreamstime
Last Updated:
September 4, 2014