A concussion is a serious injury that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you want to know what concussion signs to look for, read on to learn about observable symptoms, how to treat a concussion and when to seek help from a healthcare provider.

What Causes a Concussion?

Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Getting hit in the head in a full-contact sport, car, motorcycle, and biking accidents, or falls where you hit your head can all cause concussions. When forceful enough, a concussion can cause your brain to move inside your skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury and an array of symptoms. Those who have had one concussion are also more at risk for severe concussions following a second blow to the head.

Signs of Concussion & Symptoms

There are several signs of concussion and associated symptoms to watch out for following any blow to the head, with some more obvious than others. Sometimes bruising, bleeding, or a visible wound is also observed, but not always. Concussion symptoms can be more subtle.

Concussion symptoms often reported by patients include:

• Headache
• Dizziness, confusion, or memory loss, particularly about the cause of the concussion itself
• Fatigue and a general sleepiness
• Vision problems, such as blurry or double vision
• Sensitivity to light and sounds or a ringing in the ears
• Sleep problems
• Changes in your sense of taste or smell

Common signs and symptoms of concussions that can often be observed physically include:

• Nausea and vomiting immediately following the injury
• Personality changes, such as irritability or agitation
• Clumsiness or balance problems
• Delayed response times in conversation
• Repetition of questions, signaling forgetfulness

Signs of concussion considered danger signs include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Severe drowsiness or an inability to wake up
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or numbness anywhere in the body
• Seizures or convulsions
• Persistent vomiting well after the concussion event
• Pupils of a different size
• Unusual behavior that gets worse over time

Anyone experiencing the danger signs described above should seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms that aren’t present immediately after brain trauma don’t mean that you won’t have symptoms down the line. Some concussion patients will require long-term treatment plans for symptoms like sleep problems, issues with concentration, or other impacts to brain function if they have suffered a severe concussion or are experiencing their second concussion. It’s essential to be in communication with your healthcare provider following any head injury.

How to Treat a Concussion

Those experiencing mild concussion symptoms may be given instructions to follow by a healthcare professional during a virtual appointment rather than seeking emergency care at a medical facility. It’s important to monitor signs of concussion and any present symptoms closely, as the situation can change quickly, requiring additional care. Experts agree that having someone there with you following a possible concussion event is an important course of action, as you may not be able to monitor your symptoms as closely on your own.

Once you’ve followed up with a healthcare provider, common treatments for mild concussions include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications that can treat headaches associated with a concussion.
• Anti-nausea medications may ease those symptoms if you have them.
• Light exercises that will get your body moving without exacerbating concussion symptoms.
• Stop any activity that makes you uncomfortable or makes you feel worse.
• Allow for brief periods of cognitive tasks, like reading or puzzling, to give your brain a workout.
• Avoid too much screen time on phones and computers.
• Treat yourself with kindness. You may not be able to get back to life’s responsibilities right away. That just means your brain needs more time to heal.

With athletes, concussion protocols typically require clearance from a medical professional before returning to the sport. Follow the same logic and avoid any situations where you’re putting yourself at risk for a second brain injury, as a second concussion can lead to longer-term problems, even brain damage.

If you find that your symptoms aren’t going away, it may be time to seek additional concussion treatment in Los Angeles and help from a medical professional.

When to Seek Help for a Concussion

There are three types of concussions: mild, moderate, and severe. Severe concussions include a loss of consciousness, even if just for a few seconds, alongside any of the danger signs described above. That level of trauma warrants immediate urgent care.

Those with symptoms that go away after a short time may choose to monitor symptoms while they book a follow-up appointment with a physician. Book your urgent care appointment online or visit us at one of our Los Angeles urgent care locations if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a concussion. The health professionals at Reliant are available to talk through any symptoms virtually or arrange an in-person visit to address your concerns.