Head injuries can happen in a variety of ways and range from mild to life threatening. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the brain’s function and can lead to health problems if it is not properly treated. However, the symptoms of a concussion can be subtle or delayed, so it is important to know what to look for.
Possible symptoms of a concussion
- Headache or pressure in head
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Loss of memory surrounding the traumatic event
- Ringing in ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
Some symptoms may be delayed, which may include:
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability and personality changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
When to seek emergency care
If you or someone around you experiences the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasingly painful headache
- Changes in behavior
- Lack of physical coordination
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Vision disturbances
- Slurred speech
The ImPACT Test
The specialists at Comprehensive Orthopedic and Sports Medicine utilize a computerized neurocognitive test called the ImPACT Test to help evaluate and manage concussions. First, a medical professional performs a baseline test and the scores are collected and stored. If a suspected concussion occurs, the medical team can access the baseline results and compare it to the score on the post-injury test.
