What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a neurologic injury that causes a temporary disturbance in brain cells, as a result of extreme acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull. The common misconception is that you must be hit in the head to cause a concussion injury – this is not true! Because a concussion is the result of acceleration or deceleration of the brain, a concussion can happen with a significant blow to anywhere on the body.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
- Loss of consciousness (Not necessarily – over 90% of concussions DO NOT result in a loss of consciousness)
- Headache
- Pressure in the head
- Neck pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Balance problems
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Feeling slowed down
- Feeling of “fogginess”
- Not feeling right or feeling off
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering
- Fatigue or low energy
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Trouble falling asleep
- More emotional
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Nervous or anxious