If you’ve suffered a hit to the head or a whiplash-type injury, it’s normal to wonder whether it’s “just a concussion” or something more serious.

Not every concussion requires a trip to the emergency room — but some do.

In this blog, we break down when to monitor symptoms at home, when to visit a certified concussion clinic, and when it’s absolutely essential to go straight to the ER. If you want more of a deep dive, see our article by Stacey Ritter.

 

🧠 What Is a Concussion, Exactly?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by the brain moving inside the skull due to a sudden acceleration or deceleration — such as from a hit, fall, or collision. It disrupts normal brain function on a temporary basis, leading to symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, fogginess, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Although concussions are classified as “mild,” they’re still brain injuries. But that doesn’t mean they always need emergency care.

🚑 When to Go to the Emergency Room

There are certain red flags that should prompt an immediate visit to the ER:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Increasing confusion or agitation
  • One pupil larger than the other
  • Weakness or numbness in limbs
  • Slurred speech
  • Worsening headache that doesn’t respond to medication

These symptoms could indicate a more serious injury, such as bleeding or swelling in the brain. A CT scan or other diagnostic test may be needed to rule out life-threatening complications.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution — go to the ER or call emergency services.

 

🩺 When to See a Concussion Specialist Instead

If your symptoms are stable and none of the red flags above are present, your best next step is to book an appointment with a concussion-trained provider.

Certified concussion clinics are equipped to:

  • Perform in-depth assessments of brain, balance, vision, and neck function
  • Guide safe return-to-work, school, and sport timelines
  • Monitor symptoms and recovery through evidence-based protocols

Unlike most ERs, which are focused on life-threatening injuries, these clinics specialize in post-acute concussion care and rehabilitation.

✅ Find a Certified Concussion Clinic Near You

 

🕒 What to Watch for in the First 24–48 Hours

Even if you don’t visit the ER right away, it’s important to monitor symptoms closely in the early phase. Sometimes more serious symptoms develop hours after the injury.

Watch for:

  • Sudden increase in drowsiness
  • Worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Personality or behavior changes

Make sure someone stays with you or checks in frequently — especially overnight.

 

🧭 What to Do if Symptoms Aren’t Going Away

If it’s been more than 10–14 days and your symptoms haven’t improved (or are getting worse), you may be dealing with Persistent Concussion Symptoms.

This is not something to tough out or self-manage — it requires targeted rehab for the visual, vestibular, cervical, and autonomic systems.

🎓 If you’re still symptomatic, join our Free 90-Minute Patient Workshop to learn what’s really going on and how to recover.

✅ Book an assessment at a Certified Concussion Clinic

 

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Reference:
  1. McCrory P, Meeuwisse WH, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(11):838–847.