10 Potential Signs of a Concussion

A concussion is more than a bump to the head. It’s actually a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can permanently impact your memory, mood, or cognition without the proper care. In fact, an untreated concussion can cause lasting sleep disturbances, light sensitivity, and even personality changes. 

While only about 20% of people with concussions experience lasting effects or post-concussion syndrome, seeking medical attention immediately is critical after any suspected brain injury. 

Concussions can happen in many ways and are particularly common in athletes. You can also experience a concussion in a car accident or fall. Concussions occur when your brain jostles inside your skull, which damages the organ’s delicate cells. 

As sports medicine specialists, the expert team at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. frequently treats concussions at our office in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. While we’re familiar with the common signs of concussions, you might not be. In this blog, we’ll review ten signs of concussions.

1. Headache

A headache may occur after a concussion. You can also develop a post-concussive headache, which starts at any point within seven days of the initial head injury. A concussion-related headache can evolve into a chronic headache that requires ongoing management/treatment. 

2. Confusion

Many people exhibit some level of confusion after a concussion. Your confusion might include amnesia, too, which means you don’t remember your injury or the events leading up to it. You might describe your symptoms as “brain fog,” including trouble focusing and lack of mental clarity. 

3. Dizziness

Dizziness after a concussion can lead to clumsy movements or trouble standing up. You might also “see stars” if the impact was powerful enough. 

4. Mood, behavior, or personality changes

Your friends, family, peers, and teammates know you best. If those closest to you report distinct changes in how you act, speak, feel, or behave, those changes could indicate that you’ve sustained a concussion.

5. Delayed responses

People with a concussion are often slow to answer questions. You might also exhibit slower reaction times. That can make it dangerous for you to operate your vehicle. 

6. Clumsy movement

Moving clumsily is a common sign of a concussion. You might struggle to stand or walk without falling over or experience blurred vision. 

7. Ear ringing

It’s common to have ringing ears after a loud concert or car race, but it may be a sign of a concussion if you’ve recently hit your head. Ear ringing sounds like a constant, high-pitched sound inside your ear. 

8. Blurry vision

Blurry vision after a concussion isn’t your typical near- or far-sightedness. If you suddenly struggle to see the details of objects around you at any distance, your newfound blurry vision should be investigated by our team. 

9. Fatigue

Fatigue is a tricky concussion symptom because it will make you feel tired. That said, complete rest in a dark room isn’t usually advised following a concussion. Instead, most physicians recommend relative rest, which involves limiting activities that require heavy concentration. 

10. Nausea or vomiting

You might experience digestive symptoms after a concussion. If you find yourself vomiting or feeling nauseous after a possible head injury, you might have a concussion. 

Our team at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. evaluates you thoroughly after any potential head injury using neurological exams, cognitive tests, and imaging tests. We also observe your behaviors closely and may advise overnight supervision in a hospital. We provide personalized care and recommendations to help you recover swiftly.  

Call Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., or schedule a visit online if you suspect a concussion in yourself, a teammate, or a loved one.