Sport-related concussions can be difficult to diagnose, with symptoms typically most severe within 24–48 hours and diminishing over days to weeks in most athletes.

What is the lowest threshold to make a diagnosis of concussion?

Disorientation, impaired balance, slower reaction time, and impaired verbal learning and memory are common indicators of concussion, providing an evidence-based foundation for developing diagnostic criteria and prognostic indicators.

Concussion guidelines step 1: systematic review of prevalent indicators.

Using video analysis in the National Rugby League can identify concussion signs in players, but some common signs may not indicate concussions.

Evidence of Concussion Signs in National Rugby League Match Play: a Video Review and Validation Study

Video review in the National Rugby League can accurately identify combinations of concussion signs, aiding in sideline concussion identification and removal from play decisions.

A video review of multiple concussion signs in National Rugby League match play

Recognize common signs and symptoms of concussions, which can evolve over time and require thorough follow-up for accurate diagnosis and recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

Concussions in NHL players can produce a spectrum of acute on-ice clinical signs, but acute observable signs do not predict poor recovery outcomes.

Acute clinical signs and outcome of concussion in National Hockey League (NHL) players

Six video signs of possible concussion have reached international consensus, and are recommended for use by professional sporting bodies.

International consensus definitions of video signs of concussion in professional sports

On-field dizziness at the time of injury is associated with an increased risk of a protracted recovery from sports-related concussions in high school athletes.

Which On-field Signs/Symptoms Predict Protracted Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion Among High School Football Players?

Adults recognize 3 concussion symptoms (headaches, dizziness, and confusion) well, but struggle with sleep disturbances, nausea, and loss of consciousness.

Can Adults Recognize Concussion Symptoms? A Critical Review of Empirical Research Using the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey

Patients with extra-axial bleeds have better subtype scores compared to those with intra-axial bleeds, suggesting subtype-directed therapy may improve symptom recovery in mild TBI patients.

326 Concussion Subtype Symptomatology in Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Five concussion subtypes and sleep disturbance are common in acute concussion patients, with headache/migraine and cognitive being the most prevalent, and cervical strain being an associated condition.

Concussion Guidelines Step 2: Evidence for Subtype Classification

Video analysis can be a useful adjunct to identifying clinical signs of concussion in Australian football, but it should not replace a thorough multimodal clinical assessment.

The reliability and validity of video analysis for the assessment of the clinical signs of concussion in Australian football.

Vomiting is a reliable sign of concussion, and it should be considered a cardinal sign for identifying those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury in sports.

Vomiting as a reliable sign of concussion.

Visible signs can help detect concussions early, but more than half of physician diagnosed concussions occurred without the presence of a visual sign.

Can visible signs predict concussion diagnosis in the National Hockey League?

Concussions are common childhood injuries with generally favorable outcomes, but global perspectives on management and prognosis are lacking.

Concussion: A Global Perspective.

Females report higher total symptom scores at baseline and post-concussion, but these differences are clinically insignificant and may be due to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Differences in Symptom Reporting Between Males and Females at Baseline and After a Sports-Related Concussion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Post concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex symptom complex involving cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms, often lasting longer than 2-3 weeks after a concussion.

Concussion and mild head injury

Symptom provocation test failure may indicate psychological maladjustment rather than lingering brain injury or incomplete neurophysiological recovery.

Psychological Contributions to Symptom Provocation Testing After Concussion

Vision testing is a useful tool in evaluating concussions, but clinical judgment and multifaceted testing are crucial for accurate diagnosis and recovery.

Vision Testing in the Evaluation of Concussion

The convulsive theory provides a more viable explanation for concussion symptoms than any other theory, as it explains traumatic amnesia, autonomic disturbances, and post-concussion syndrome more effectively.

The neurophysiology of concussion

These studies suggest that common signs of a concussion include disorientation, impaired balance, slower reaction time, impaired verbal learning and memory, headaches, dizziness, and confusion.