Concussion Clinic
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion?
Most people with a concussion diagnosis have a good recovery from symptoms experienced at the time of the injury. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer.
In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find that it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion.
Symptoms of Concussion
Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories. Click the headings below for details.
Thinking/Remembering
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Feeling slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering new information
Physical
- Headache, fuzzy or blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting (early on), dizziness
- Sensitive to noise or light
- Balance problems
- Feeling tired, having no energy
Emotional/Mood
- Irritability
- Sadness
- More Emotional
- Nervousness or anxiety
Sleep
- Sleeping more than usual
- Sleep less than usual
- Trouble falling asleep
Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury, or until the person starts resuming their everyday life and more demands are placed upon them. Sometimes, people do not recognize or admit that they are having problems. Others may not understand their problems and how the symptoms they are experiencing are impacting their daily activities.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion, family members, or doctors. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling differently.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Possible Concussion Treatment
Danger Signs in Adults
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. Contact your health care professional or emergency department right away if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:
- Headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Look very drowsy or cannot be awakened
- Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
- Have convulsions or seizures
- Cannot recognize people or places
- Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated
- Have unusual behavior
- Lose consciousness (a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously and the person should be carefully monitored)
Danger Signs in Children
Take your child to the emergency department right away for possible concussion treatment if they received a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, and:
- Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above
- Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
- Will not nurse or eat
Dr. Adam F. Meisel
Dr. Adam F. Meisel, sports medicine and arthroscopy specialist, strives to help his patients regain and maintain their active lifestyles - from competitive athletes to weekend warriors - by offering both non-operative and operative approaches to treatment. He received fellowship training in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute, has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters regarding meniscal tears, ankle cartilage injuries, and transplants. He is currently active in research related to hip arthroscopy and rotator cuff repairs.
Dr. Beverlee A. Brisbin
Dr. Beverlee A. Brisbin, sports medicine and non-operative orthopaedic specialist, works closely with her patients for whom surgery is not an option with the aim of improving their quality of life and getting them back to the activities they enjoy. She is also the team sports medicine doctor to the USA Women’s Soccer Team and many area high schools. She completed her sports medicine residency at the Rush University Medical Center and possesses a board-certified CAQ in sports medicine.
Dr. Chris Chapman
Dr. Chris Chapman, MidAmerica’s Pediatric Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Specialist, works directly with sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains and simple fractures. He emphasizes healthy alternatives to surgery such as therapy and rehabilitation. He is board certified in pediatrics, completed his pediatric residency at Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, and holds a teaching position at Advocate Christ Children’s Hospital where he educates pediatric and family practice residents. Dr. Chapman enjoys working with a young population and aims to return his patients to their active lifestyles.
