A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically caused by a blow to the head. Concussions can cause a range of symptoms including headaches, blurred vision, nausea, balance issues, and more. The type of symptoms that you experience and the length in which you experience them varies depending on severity.
Any number of accidents and/or activities can result in a concussion.
A direct impact to the head is the most common cause of a concussion—but this can occur in many ways, often in an accident.
Falls are considered the most common cause of a concussion. They commonly occur to athletes who play physical sports such as football, rugby, and soccer. A concussion can be caused by a car accident. Those who do physical work, such as construction, may also be more likely to sustain a concussion.
If you happen to hit your head, you might wonder if you have a concussion. Let’s take a closer look at concussion symptoms.
Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not present immediately.
People that get a concussion can experience symptoms in different ways. Because symptoms vary it can be difficult to self-diagnose a concussion. In addition, symptoms may not show up right away, and that delay can leave you wondering why you have pain.
Here are 6 common physical symptoms of a concussion:
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
And here are several symptoms that may or may not be obvious, but can indicate you have a concussion:
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability
- Light and/or noise sensitivity
- Inability to sleep
- Loss of taste and/or smell
Keep in mind that the symptoms listed here do not constitute an exhaustive list; you should contact your doctor and describe your symptoms for more information.
When should you visit your doctor?
You should contact your doctor as soon as possible, especially if you begin experiencing symptoms knowing that you recently hit your head. This is especially true if you have tried to manage the pain on your own but it has persisted.
Your doctor will likely perform several tests to determine if you have a concussion. They may start with a cognitive test. This is done to evaluate your thinking ability. The tests may ask you to recall memories, exhibit concentration, and ask you to remember information. In addition to considering your current physical symptoms, this type of test allows the doctor to determine or rule out a concussion.
Concussion severity is graded on a scale of 1 to 3.
Grade 1: Low Grade, Mild Concussion. A Grade 1 concussion is considered a mild concussion. You may experience symptoms like headache, fatigue, and dizziness, but these symptoms will likely resolve within a few days.
Grade 2: Mid-Grade, Moderate Concussion. A Grade 2 concussion is more severe. While the symptoms are like a Grade 1 concussion they may last longer or be more intense. Additional issues, such as amnesia, may also appear. Grade 2 concussions typically require days of rest before symptoms resolve.
Grade 3: High Grade, Severe Concussion: A Grade 3 concussion is a severe concussion in which an injured individual may lose consciousness at the time of the accident. Symptoms can last for weeks and be intense. A Grade 3 concussion may require hospitalization.
You may be asked to undergo an imaging test.
Depending on how a concussion occurs, a patient may have physical injuries such as a skull fracture. Doctors can order brain imaging scans to help uncover these issues.
A cranial computerized tomography (CTI) scan is a scan often ordered in the aftermath of a concussion. A CT scan can obtain cross-sectional images of the skull and brain.
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, may also be used to identify changes in the brain or diagnose other complications. MRIs can produce clear images of brain tissue and help doctors understand the severity of the injury.
There is no specific treatment for a concussion, but many start feeling better after taking time to rest.
Concussion symptoms seem to manifest differently for everyone. Because of this, there is no specific cure. You can work with your doctor who can help you determine methods to ease pain based on your symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to help with things like headaches and nausea.
Most often—especially for lower grade concussions—rest is helpful. You can try to get extra sleep, limit exposure to harsh light, reduce the time you spend looking at screens, and limit physical activity. These may help you feel better over the course of a few days or a week.
A concussion is a TBI that affects how the brain functions. There are a wide range of symptoms that present differently on a person-by-person basis. If you feel that you have concussion symptoms, and you know that you were recently struck in the head, then you should contact a doctor. Have questions? Contact University Medical Imaging today.