Important Note
All concussion symptoms are important. However, monitoring the physical symptoms is critical! If physical concussion symptoms worsen within the first 48 to 72 hours, it is often a sign that a more serious medical condition is developing in the brain.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these concussion symptoms worsen within the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty awakening
Symptoms of Concussion
- Home
- Sports Medicine
- Concussion
- Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion symptoms are what the student athletes will report if asked. It is important to impress upon the student athletes that they must be honest in their reporting of symptoms. Don't be alarmed by concussion symptoms, as they are the hallmark of a concussion. However, watching the concussion symptoms for improvement over time is how we know that a concussion is getting better.
Concussion Symptoms
Physical: How a Person Feels Physically
| Headache/Pressure | Nausea |
| Blurred Vision | Vomiting |
| Dizziness | Numbness/Tingling |
| Poor Balance | Sensitivity to Light |
| Ringing in Ears | Sensitivity to Noise |
| Seeing "Stars" | Disorientation |
| Vacant Stare/Glassy-Eyed | Neck Pain |
Cognitive: How a Person Thinks
| Feel in a "Fog" | Feel "Slowed Down" |
| Difficulty Remembering | Difficulty Concentrating/ Easily Distracted |
| Slowed Speech | Easily Confused |
Emotional: How a Person Feels Emotionally
| Inappropriate Emotions | Irritability |
| Personality Change | Sadness |
| Nervousness/Anxiety | Lack of Motivation |
| Feeling "More Emotional" |
Maintenance: How a Person Experiences Their Energy Level and/or Sleep Patterns
| Fatigue | Drowsiness |
| Excess Sleep | Sleeping Less Than Usual |
| Trouble Falling Asleep |
