General Concussion Information
Learn about what concussions are, how they can happen, how to lower the risk of concussion, and more.
Concussion
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Learn about the common signs and symptoms to look out for after a hit or jolt to the head.
Concussion symptoms are different for each person
Concussion symptoms are what a person feels after the injury. Concussion signs are what others see or notice when a person is experiencing symptoms related to the injury. Experiencing concussion symptoms is generally considered part of the normal healing process.
Most people with a concussion feel better within four weeks. Keep in mind that during recovery, symptoms may change. They may even go away, but then come back when you start to do your regular activities. For example, you may have headaches and feel sick to your stomach earlier on. A week or two after your injury, you may notice you feel more emotional than usual or have trouble sleeping. If symptoms come back while doing your regular activities, that does not mean you are damaging your brain. Lowering your activity levels for a few more days should help. If symptoms do not keep improving, be sure to let your medical professional know how you are feeling.
Symptoms may be difficult to sort out, as they may be like other health problems. After a concussion, a person may not recognize or admit they are having problems or understand how their symptoms affect their daily activities. Talking to a medical professional can help.
Examples of common concussion symptoms include:
| Physical |
Thinking and Remembering | Social/Emotional | Sleep |
| Bothered by light or noise | Attention problems | Feeling anxious | Sleeping less than usual |
| Dizziness or balance problems | Feeling slowed down | Sadness | Sleeping more than usual |
| Feeling tired; no energy | Foggy or groggy | Irritability | Trouble falling asleep |
| Headaches | Problems with short-term memory | Easily angered | Waking in the night |
| Nausea or vomiting (early on) | Problems with long-term memory | Feeling more emotional | |
| Vision problems | Trouble concentrating |
Concussion signs to look for after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head
| Common Concussion Signs in Everyone |
| Appearing dazed, stunned, or confused about recent events |
| Difficulty remembering or concentrating, especially on topics or activities that would otherwise hold their attention |
| Answering questions more slowly than usual |
| Appearing more clumsy than usual, such as having trouble with balance |
| Feeling nauseous or vomiting |
| Needing more help than usual with regular activities |
| Showing behavior changes, such as more temper tantrums, sadness, or irritability than usual |
| Changes in speech, like speaking more slowly than usual |
| Slowed reaction times |
| Mood, behavior, or personality changes |
A person may show one or more concussion signs, and it is important to know that concussion signs may differ by age.
| Common Concussion Signs Among Children Age 0-4 |
| Irritability and crying more than usual |
| Seeking more comfort than usual, like needing to be held |
| Refusing to nurse or eat |
| Changes in sleeping patterns, like sleeping more or less than usual |
| Not wanting to engage in play or usual activities |
| Needing more help than usual with regular activities |
| Showing behavior changes, such as more temper tantrums, sadness, or irritability than usual |
| Changes in speech, like speaking more slowly than usual |
| Vomiting right after the injury without other causes, such as a virus |
| Appearing dazed, confused, and more clumsy than usual, or seeming unsteady on their feet |
Please note that these are general age ranges, and signs of concussion will vary by child and their individual development.
Concussion danger signs require immediate emergency care
In rare cases, a brain may bleed following a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department if you notice any of the following danger signs after a person experiences a bump, blow, or jolt to the head: in
| Danger Signs in Everyone |
| Convulsions or seizures |
| Not able to recognize people or places |
| Repeated nausea or vomiting |
| Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation |
| Loss of consciousness with increasing drowsiness, inability to wake up, or inability to stay awake |
| Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination |
| A headache that gets worse and does not go away |
| One pupil is larger than the other, or double vision |
| Danger Signs in Infants and Toddlers |
| Any of the signs and symptoms listed above |
| Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled |
| Will not nurse or eat |
| Not waking easily from sleep |
Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.
Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:
- Help with care needs
- Legal and financial resources
- Services in your community
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