A concussion is considered to be a mild brain injury that results from a blow to the head, according to MayoClinic.com. The force of the injury causes bruising and swelling, which can lead to several symptoms. Immediate symptoms of a concussion include a loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia, nausea or and vomiting. Some signs of a concussion may not appear for several hours after the injury and may persist for several days or weeks.
Cognitive Problems
Two cognitive functions, memory and concentration, can be impacted several hours or days following an injury that causes a concussion, according to MayoClinic.com. Common memory problems after a concussion include short-term memory loss and forgetfulness. Individuals may begin speaking and lose track of the thought due to the head injury.
Sensitivity
Vision and hearing can be affected by a concussion several hours or days after the injury. An individual may become sensitive to bright light. Loud noises can be more startling following a concussion.
Mood Changes
Some concussions can cause mood changes both due to pain and the swelling in the brain. Individuals may become more irritable several hours or days after the injury. Depression is also possible.
Persistent Symptoms
Some of the early symptoms of a concussion can persist or get worse several hours after the injury. This includes nausea, vomiting, seizures and loss of consciousness, or extreme lethargy. Head pain that persists can indicate a concussion. Any persistent symptoms of a concussion require medical treatment.
Physical Symptoms
Nearly any common symptom of a concussion can appear several hours later. This includes physical symptoms like a change in pupil size, facial feature distortion, fluid draining from any part of the head, bruising, visible swelling or bleeding, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Body Movement Impairment
The National Institutes of Health suggests that some individuals may not be able to move parts of the body after a concussion. Some common problems include difficulty moving one or more limbs, general clumsiness and neck stiffness.
