A concussion occurs when the head is hit during a fall or shaken during a car accident or sports injury. A concussion is categorized as a traumatic brain injury, reports The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some symptoms will become evident immediately and others may take months for patients to notice them. After experiencing a concussion, patients will probably recover rapidly; however, in some cases concussion recovery may take weeks or linger on for longer periods.
Nausea & Vomiting
Soon after the closed concussion occurs, people typically will experience nausea and vomiting, states MayoClinic.com. This symptom will wane as time passes until it stops completely.
Problems with Equilibrium
MayoClinic.com says that problems with equilibrium often also occur with a closed concussion. Standing upright may be challenging or impossible. Dizziness will typically occur too.
Vision Problems
Blurred vision is often a symptom of a concussion; an increased sensitivity to light will also develop, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another very serious side effect of a concussion includes one pupil of the eye becoming larger than the other. This indicates the presence of a traumatic brain injury, notes The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This symptom requires immediate medical care.
Loss of Consciousness
A closed concussion will sometimes cause a brief lapse in consciousness. The period of being unconscious is typically only a few seconds or up to a few minutes, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This symptom requires immediate medical evaluation.
Mood Changes
A concussion also impacts the mood. Anxiety and becoming more emotional and more irritable are also symptoms of this disorder, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each case is unique; mood disorders can last only a few hours to days or for longer periods. Consult a doctor if mood changes are problematic after a concussion.
Cognitive Ability Decreases
A closed concussion injury often causes problems with cognitive ability states MayoClinic.com. It often becomes difficult to remember facts, to think clearly and to concentrate. Brain function will also probably feel slower in its abilities after a concussion.
Changes to Sleep Patterns
Sleep patterns often change after a concussion occurs, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trouble getting to sleep often occurs. The body will crave more or less sleep than typical. Wanting hours more of sleep than normal is a typical symptom of problems after a concussion. Keep the doctor informed of ongoing changes in sleep needs after a concussion.
Concussion in a Child
When a child experiences a closed concussion some symptoms include loss of equilibrium, inattentiveness, crying constantly, refusal to eat, head pain, vomiting and mental confusion, according to the MayoClinic.com. Concussion symptoms often become more severe in children than adults.
Blood Clot in Adults
Rarely, a closed concussion will cause a blood clot in the brain in adults, reports The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This will force the brain against the skull. Symptoms of this problem include an ongoing, severe headache, weakness and a numb feeling to the body and consistent vomiting.
