Early Identification, What to Look For & Resources
Identifying a concussion as quickly as possible is crucial for preventing further injury and ensuring proper recovery. Early detection allows for immediate care, reducing the risk of complications like prolonged symptoms or second impact syndrome, which can have severe long-term consequences. Quick identification also helps to avoid aggravating the injury through continued physical activity, allowing the brain to heal properly. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about recognizing concussion signs can make a significant difference in promoting player safety and long-term well-being.
Everyone can help recognize a possible concussion if they know what to look for.
A person with a concussion might have any of the signs or symptoms listed below. They might show up right away or hours, or even days later. Just one sign or symptom is enough to suspect a concussion. Most people with a concussion do not lose consciousness.
What to do if you suspect a concussion
Follow these three steps if you — or someone you know — experiences a blow to the head, face, neck or body and you suspect a concussion. Call 911 if you are concerned the injury is life-threatening, such as the person is unconscious or they had a seizure.
- Recognize signs and symptoms of a concussion and remove yourself or the athlete from the sport/physical activity, even if you feel OK or they insist they are OK.
- Get yourself or the athlete checked out by a physician or nurse practitioner.
- Support gradual return to school and sport.
Common signs and symptoms
Physical
- Headache
- Pressure in the head
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in the ears
- Balance problems
- Tired or low energy
- Drowsiness
- “Don’t feel right”
Sleep-related
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Having a hard time falling asleep
Cognitive (Thinking)
- Not thinking clearly
- Slower thinking
- Feeling confused
- Problems concentrating
- Problems remembering
Emotional
- Irritability (easily upset or angered)
- Depression
- Sadness
- Nervous or anxious
Red Flags
“Red flags” may mean the person has a more serious injury. Treat red flags as an emergency and call 911.
Red flags include:
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headache
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness (knocked out)
- Vomiting more than once
- Increasingly restless, agitated or aggressive
- Getting more and more confused