Concussion - Symptoms

Symptoms of concussion include:

• Headache
• Disorientation (confusion) as to time, date, or place
• Dizziness
• Vacant stare or confused expression
• Speech that is difficult to understand
• Lack of coordination or weakness
• Amnesia (loss of memory) about events just preceding the blow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Double vision
• Ringing in the ears

These symptoms may last from several minutes to several hours. More severe or longer-lasting symptoms may indicate more severe brain injury. If a person loses consciousness, it will be for several minutes at the most. If unconsciousness last for a longer period, a more serious form of brain injury may have occurred.

Doctors use a three-point system to determine the seriousness of a concussion. This system helps them to choose the appropriate treatment.

• Grade 1: No loss of consciousness, brief confusion, and other symptoms that clear up within 15 minutes.
• Grade 2: No loss of consciousness, brief confusion, and other symptoms that clear up in more than 15 minutes.
• Grade 3: Loss of consciousness for any period of time.

Days or weeks after the original concussion, certain symptoms may reoccur. These symptoms are called post-concussion syndrome. They include:

• Headache
• Loss of ability to concentrate and pay attention
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbance
• Inability to tolerate light and noise.