Many individuals with a concussion can recover from the symptoms at the time of injury. In some cases, though, the symptoms can persist for days, weeks or even longer. Generally, recovery might be slow among the elderly, teenagers and young children.
Those who had a concussion in the past are also at risk for developing one and has a longer time to recover if another concussion occurs.
What are the indications?
The signs and symptoms of a concussion are categorized in 4 groups.
Thinking/remembering
- Feeling slow
- Difficulty thinking clearly
Generally, recovery might be slow among the elderly, teenagers and young children. - Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty or unable to remember new information
Emotional/mood
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Becoming more emotional
Physical
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance issues
- Noise or light sensitivity
- Feeling tired or lack of energy
Sleep
- Sleeping less than normal
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
Some of these symptoms might manifest immediately while others are delayed for days or even months after the injury or until the individual resumes daily activities and there is increased demand placed on them. Oftentimes, one might not recognize or admit having any issues.
Remember that the indications of a concussion might be hard to sort out. At the start, issues might be missed. Some even appear fine even though they are feeling or acting differently.
When to seek medical care
What are the danger signs in adults?
In rare instances, a life-threatening blood clot can form in the brain that can compress the brain against the skull. A doctor should be consulted or bring the individual to the nearest emergency department if any of the following are present:
- Headache that worsens and does not settle
- Slurred speech
- Numbness, weakness or diminished coordination
- Repeated episodes of nausea or vomiting
What are the danger signs in children?
Bring the child to the emergency department right away if he/she sustained a blow, bump or shock to the head or body with the following:
- Child does not nurse or eat
- The danger signs in adults are present
- Continuous crying and could not be consoled