What are the signs of a concussion?

Introduction

Concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, is characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms resulting from a blow to the head or acceleration forces. Understanding the signs of a concussion is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, especially in sports and other high-risk activities.

Key Insights

Headache and Dizziness: Headache is the most frequent symptom of concussion, often accompanied by dizziness .
Cognitive Impairments: Concussions commonly result in cognitive issues such as poor concentration, memory problems, and mental fogginess .
Behavioral and Emotional Changes: Symptoms can include irritability, mood swings, and other behavioral changes .
Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also reliable signs of concussion, with vomiting being considered a cardinal sign .
Balance and Coordination Issues: Problems with motor coordination, balance, and postural instability are frequently observed .
Visual and Sensory Disturbances: Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, and other visual problems are common .
Loss of Consciousness: Although not always present, temporary loss of consciousness can occur .
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Fatigue and issues with sleep, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, are often reported .

Conclusion

Concussions manifest through a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, nausea, vomiting, balance issues, visual disturbances, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Recognizing these signs is essential for effective diagnosis and management, particularly in high-risk environments like sports.

What are the signs of a concussion?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Concussion and mild head injury

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.

Vomiting as a reliable sign of concussion.

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.

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

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.

Post concussion syndrome

Post concussion syndrome (PCS) is a cluster of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that may persist for months or years after mild traumatic brain injury and may cause disability.

The Pathophysiology of Concussion

Concussions result from neuronal dysfunction caused by functional abnormalities rather than structural lesions, with energetic metabolism disturbance being the main biochemical explanation for most postconcussive signs and symptoms.

On-Field Signs Predict Future Acute Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion: A Structural Equation Modeling Study

On-field signs of immediate memory and postural instability after sport-related concussions predict self-reported cognitive-migraine-fatigue symptoms within 1 day.

Acute Clinical Symptoms of Concussion

Concussion symptoms include loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, attentional deficit, and memory loss, with scientific validation for these symptoms.

Sport-Related Concussion.

Concussions can occur in any sport and can cause cognitive problems, balance issues, behavioral changes, and temporary loss of consciousness.

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

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.

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

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

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