1. What Day Is It
The most readily diagnosable symptoms of a concussion are the loss of a sense of time, general confusion and memory loss. So if you suspect a person has a concussion ask them a few simple questions such as, "What day is it?", "What is your name?" or "Where are you?" If there is a noticeable delay or the answer is wrong then the person most likely has a concussion. Be aware that a person can appear fine but still suffer a concussion following a blow to the head. If there was any trauma to the head, be sure to visit the doctor for a check-up.
2. Out of the Car Please
Check for the physical symptoms of a concussion. These tests are similar to those performed by police officers that are performing a field sobriety test on a potential drunk driver. Have the person try to walk a straight line. Next, have the person close his eyes, extend his arms straight and then tell him to touch his nose with his index finger. Lastly, ask him to say the ABC's backwards.
3. Some are Later than Others
There are symptoms that do not show within minutes, days or sometimes even weeks after a concussion. These include noticeable and erratic changes in mood, sensitivity to light or noise, the inability to sleep soundly, and recurring headaches. Although these symptoms may not be related to the head trauma, get the person to a doctor if the symptoms persist because it is better to be safe than sorry.
4. You Can Sleep on a Concussion
For years and years, the prevailing thought was that you should keep the concussed person awake immediately after a concussion, because if they fell asleep they could fall into a coma and not wake up. Turns out all this did was to create many sleepy people. Now the conventional wisdom is that the concussed person can sleep and in fact, rest is actually beneficial in their recovery.
5. The Younger They Are
Check very closely the behavior of infants and toddlers that have hit their heads. Because their motor skills are still developing and they are incapable of proper communication, it is difficult to discern if the little ones have a concussion. Be sure to watch for the following symptoms in toddlers and infants: Are they listless or irritable? Do they no longer show any interest in their favorite toy? Is there a noticeable change in their eating or sleeping pattern? Finally, do they show a loss of balance and motor skills?
