Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function after a blow or jolt to the head or body.
About concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function after a blow or jolt to the head or body.
What can cause it?
A concussion is a brain-function injury after a blow or jolt to the head or body; loss of consciousness is not required.
Symptoms may evolve over hours and affect thinking, balance, mood, vision, and sleep.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, or balance problems
- Confusion, slowed thinking, or memory difficulty
- Light or noise sensitivity, mood change, or sleep problems
How clinicians find the cause
A clinician assesses memory, neurologic function, balance, symptoms, and injury mechanism. CT does not diagnose concussion but may be used to look for bleeding or fracture when risk signs are present.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Brief relative rest is followed by a gradual return to routine activity below the symptom threshold.
- 2
Return to sports, risky work, or driving follows a stepwise clinician-guided plan.
- 3
A second head injury before recovery can be dangerous.
Supporting recovery
- Have a responsible adult monitor the patient initially and limit activities that clearly worsen symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol and unapproved sedating medicine and follow sleep instructions.
What to expect
Most adults improve gradually over days to weeks, but recovery time varies and some symptoms last longer. A stepwise return to work, driving, exercise, and sports helps prevent setbacks. A second head injury before recovery can cause more serious harm.
Possible complications
- Persistent headache, dizziness, sleep change, concentration difficulty, or mood symptoms
- Falls, driving problems, or another injury while balance and reaction time are impaired
- More severe brain injury or prolonged recovery after a second impact before healing
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Call 911 for repeated vomiting, seizure, worsening severe headache, weakness, slurred speech, unequal pupils, increasing confusion, or difficulty waking.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Use seat belts, helmets, fall prevention, and sports rules.
- Report symptoms and never play through a suspected concussion.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.