How to Tell if You’ve Had a Concussion + 5 Next Steps to Take
What is a concussion?
It surprises some people to learn that a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. You actually don’t actually have to hit your head to get a concussion. A concussion can happen after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
A concussion is diagnosed when the injury results in a change in brain function. Things like balance, thinking skills, vision, and personality may change. People do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion and the injury often does not show up on CT or MRI imaging.
Concussion Symptoms:
Concussion symptoms are broken into categories. People may experience only 1-2 symptoms, or symptoms from each category. Symptoms are often short-term and should steadily improve. But, they can change from less intense one day to more intense the next. Sometimes they show up a few days or weeks after the injury. It’s important to know what symptoms are possible in the weeks following an injury. The categories are:
Physical: Headache, neck pain, fatigue, sensitivity to noise or light
Vestibular: Dizziness, changes in balance, lightheadedness, nausea
Visual: Eye strain, blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, difficulty with depth perception
Cognitive: Changes in attention, changes in memory, slowed processing speed, difficulty with word finding
Behavioral/emotional: Irritability, mood swings, sadness, anxiety
Sleep: Poor sleep, trouble falling asleep, sleeping more than usual
5 Next Steps to Take:
If you think you’ve had a concussion, here are some next steps to take:
Rest for 1-2 days. You don’t have to shut yourself in a dark room. But, you should avoid strenuous physical and cognitive tasks. After 1-2 days it’s important to gradually return to normal activities. If symptoms become moderate-severe you are likely doing too much.
Take care of your health. Get good rest, stay hydrated, exercise as tolerated, and eat a healthy diet. Try to avoid stressful situations while your brain is healing.
Stay positive. Remember that concussions are curable and you should see steady improvement.
Prevent another injury. A second injury while the brain is still healing can be fatal.
Research tips for concussion symptoms. Make small adjustments to your environment and workload to help you tolerate daily activities.
Many people who have a concussion do not need medical treatment. Symptoms often resolve in a few days. For a small group however, a concussion may cause more serious conditions like a brain bleed. Others have persistent symptoms that do not resolve until they get medical care. In these cases it is crucial to seek medical attention.
When to see a Doctor
Emergency Care:
You should seek emergency care if you have symptoms such as:
Repeated vomiting or nausea
A loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
A headache that gets worse over time
Fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears
Vision or eye disturbances, such as pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
Ringing in the ears that doesn't go away
Weakness in the arms or legs
Appearing very pale for longer than an hour
Changes in behavior
Confusion or disorientation, such as difficulty recognizing people or places
Slurred speech or other changes in speech
Obvious difficulty with mental function or physical coordination
Changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling or clumsiness
Seizures or convulsions
Lasting or recurrent dizziness
Symptoms that worsen over time
Large head bumps or bruises on areas other than the forehead in children, especially in infants under 12 months of age
Primary Care:
If other symptoms persist for more than one-two weeks, see your primary care physician and ask about starting treatment. Persistent symptoms are referred to as post-concussion syndrome. They may not resolve without medical treatment. There are many treatment options but a multi-disciplinary team approach is best to treat persistent symptoms. This team evaluates all areas impacted by a head injury and recommends a treatment plan.
Rehabilitation Therapy:
An outpatient treatment team can help with concussions. A multi-disciplinary team approach is recommended for optimal concussion recovery. This team includes:
Physiatrist: Assesses overall functioning, makes therapy recommendations, prescribes medications as needed, and oversees your plan of care
Physical therapist: Treats physical problems and vestibular issues
Occupational therapist: Treats visual deficits and may help with cognitive problems
Speech-language pathologist: Treats cognitive problems
Neuropsychologist: Completes cognitive testing and provides counseling
Social worker: Provides education and helps with resources for social/community support
Neuro-optometrist: Diagnoses and treats visual deficits
Ask your doctor for a referral to a team like this. You will need a signed order from your doctor to be seen. You can also search online for a clinic in your area. Often times this team is called a “concussion clinic”. If you need more help, try:
TBI Model Systems: Some states have hospitals recognized as a “model system” for TBI care. Search for one in your state.
An established rehabilitation hospital is also likely to have a concussion clinic.
Brain Injury Alliance: Look for a Brain Injury Alliance in your state. A resource facilitator can help you find a clinic.
Read related posts:
Sources and additional resources to read about concussions:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with questions, and before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, or wellness program.