A concussion is when one receives a blow to the head, that is, a closed-head trauma. Because it is a closed injury, there is no open wound or bleeding. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), in America, over 1 million concussions occur each year. Concussions can be mild, with a brief loss of consciousness (being knocked out) or no loss of conscious; a severe concussion, however, involves a longer loss of consciousness (more than two minutes), with a slower recovery back to normal functioning.
Headache and Confusion
There are certain symptoms that typically appear immediately after the head trauma. Such symptoms include a headache, as well as temporarily being disoriented or confused; for example, one may be disoriented as to the date and time or place. Being dizzy or experiencing ringing in the ears may occur, vision may be blurred and speech may be slurred, with difficulty in speaking clearly, which typically is short-lived. The one who received the head injury needs to be monitored closely to determine the existence of other symptoms that indicate whether or not it is an acute situation, with the patient needing to be taken to the emergency room. This is important, because a person who has suffered a closed-head injury could experience additional symptoms for several hours or, even, days after the injury. So, it is especially imperative to see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. If any of the following are experienced, then call an ambulance or transport the person to an emergency room: unequal pupils, vomiting more than once, weakness on one side of the body, seizures or the person remains unresponsive. All observed symptoms must be reported to help a physician make a diagnosis.
Memory Problems
Amnesia refers to a loss of memory that may be short-term or long-term and usually includes the events that led up to the head injury. This is a common, yet important, symptom when diagnosing a concussion, determining the extent of the trauma and developing a prognosis involving post-concussion effects. Recall tends to come back with time in minor concussion cases.
Nausea and Vomiting
Another symptom that may be experienced after a blow to the head is feeling nauseated. However, if the nausea is accompanied by vomiting after the trauma, then the individual needs immediate medical attention and evaluation by a physician.
Delayed Symptoms
It is important to remember that some signs of a concussion may not manifest immediately, but, rather, appear several days following the event. Some typical post-concussion symptoms consist of insomnia or being irritable, feeling depressed with trouble concentrating, and being sensitive to light and sounds. Check with a physician if these signs become worrisome.
