A concussion is more than just a bump on the head. It’s a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can lead to a wide range of symptoms affecting how you think, feel, and function. While most people recover within a few weeks, some may experience prolonged symptoms that require specialized care. Understanding the signs of a concussion is critical for proper diagnosis, management, and recovery.

How Concussions Happen.

A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or jolt to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement stretches and shears delicate brain cells, triggering a cascade of metabolic, inflammatory, and blood flow changes (1). Symptoms don’t always appear immediately, and they can evolve over minutes, hours, or even days.

Common Concussion Symptoms.

Concussion symptoms can be categorized into four main groups: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related.

Physical Symptoms

These are often the first signs people notice after a concussion:

  • Headache – The most common symptom, occurring in over 70% of cases (2).
  • Dizziness and Balance Problems – Concussions disrupt the vestibular system, making it harder to maintain balance.
  • Nausea or Vomiting – Often seen in the first few hours after injury.
  • Sensitivity to Light and Noise – The brain has difficulty processing sensory input, leading to discomfort.
  • Blurred or Double Vision – Oculomotor dysfunction can cause difficulty focusing (1).
  • Neck Pain – Often coexists with concussions due to whiplash-like forces.

Cognitive Symptoms

A concussion can slow down brain function, leading to issues such as:

  • Feeling Slowed Down – People describe this as a “brain fog” or sluggish thinking.
  • Difficulty Concentrating – Simple tasks like reading or watching TV may feel overwhelming.
  • Memory Problems – Difficulty recalling recent events or learning new information.
  • Confusion or Disorientation – Common in the immediate aftermath of injury, sometimes accompanied by amnesia (3).

Emotional Symptoms

The brain’s regulation of emotions can be temporarily altered after a concussion, leading to:

  • Irritability – People often feel short-tempered or more easily frustrated.
  • Sadness or Depression – Changes in neurotransmitter activity can contribute to low mood.
  • Anxiety – Uncertainty about symptoms and recovery can increase stress.
  • Emotional Instability – Sudden mood swings or excessive emotional responses.

Sleep Disturbances

Concussions often disrupt sleep patterns, which can prolong recovery:

  • Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep – Insomnia is a common complaint.
  • Excessive Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired, even with enough rest.
  • Sleeping More than Usual – Some people need extra sleep to help the brain heal.
  • Fragmented Sleep – Waking up multiple times during the night (7).

Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention.

While most concussions resolve with time, certain symptoms indicate a more serious brain injury requiring emergency care:

  • Worsening Headache
  • Repeated Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Loss of Consciousness (even briefly)
  • Unequal Pupil Size
  • Weakness or Numbness in Limbs
  • Slurred Speech or Increasing Confusion (2).

If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Why Symptoms Vary From Person to Person.

No two concussions are alike, and symptoms can differ based on several factors:

  • Age – Children and adolescents often take longer to recover and may have more pronounced cognitive effects.
  • Previous Concussions – A history of concussions can increase symptom severity and prolong recovery (4).
  • Sex Differences – Research suggests females may experience more severe symptoms and longer recovery times than males (5).
  • Coexisting Conditions – Anxiety, depression, migraines, or ADHD can influence symptom persistence (1).

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

  • Typical Recovery: Most people recover within 2-4 weeks.
  • Persistent Symptoms: 10-30% of people develop Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), where symptoms last beyond four weeks.
  • Factors Affecting Recovery: Continuing to play sports, poor early management, and untreated cervical or vestibular dysfunction can prolong recovery (1).

What to Do if You Suspect a Concussion.

  1. Remove From Activity – Continuing to play or work through symptoms can worsen the injury.
  2. Seek Medical Evaluation – A healthcare provider trained in concussion management can assess symptoms and create a recovery plan.
  3. Rest, But Not Too Much – Relative rest for 24-48 hours is recommended, followed by gradual reintroduction of activity (6).
  4. Monitor Symptoms – Track any changes or worsening symptoms over time.
  5. Follow a Structured Recovery Plan – This may include supervised return to school, work, or sports (1).

Conclusion.

Recognizing concussion symptoms is crucial for effective management and recovery. While many symptoms resolve within a few weeks, persistent or worsening issues require medical attention. By understanding how concussions affect the brain and body, individuals can take the necessary steps to recover safely and reduce long-term effects.

If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion, consider visiting a Complete Concussions clinic for expert assessment and care.

References
  1. Patricios J, Schneider KJ, Dvorak J, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022. Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(11):695-711.
  2. Echemendia RJ, Brett BL, Broglio S, et al. Introducing the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6). Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(11):619-621.
  3. Silverberg ND, Iverson GL, McCrea MA, et al. Activity-related symptom exacerbations after pediatric concussion. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023;104(1):15-22.
  4. McCrea M, Guskiewicz KM, Marshall SW, et al. Acute effects and recovery time following concussion in collegiate football players: the NCAA Concussion Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2003;18(3):229-237.
  5. Pfister T, Pfister K, Hagel B, et al. The incidence of concussion in youth sports: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pediatr. 2016;169:139-147.e1.
  6. Hutchison M, Comper P, Mainwaring L, et al. The influence of musculoskeletal injury on cognition: implications for concussion research. PLoS One. 2022;17(4):e0266782.
  7. Davis GA, Purcell LK, Schneider KJ, et al. The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (Child SCAT6): background and rationale. Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(11):689-691.