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In this article:
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While concussions are common among athletes in high-contact sports, most cases of concussion actually occur after a car accident.
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You can experience physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep problems after suffering a concussion.
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It’s important to see a doctor after a traumatic brain injury, so they can rule out a brain bleed and other structural problems with your brain.
Know the signs of a concussion
In the last decade, athletic leagues, coaches, teachers and parents have become much more aware of the serious effects of concussions on adolescents. But there’s still plenty to learn — which is why Providence is focusing on this topic in honor of National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month in March.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, caused by trauma to the head or body. This can occur as the result of a bump, blow or jolt that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. “The majority of the population that we see with concussions are actually from car accidents,” said Connie Liu, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, a Providence occupational therapist who treats patients in Portland, Oregon. “It doesn’t have to be a serious accident — it could just be a little fender bender. In the last few years, however, we have been seeing more young athletes and school-aged kids with sport-related concussions from football, soccer, gymnastics and cheerleading. They can even get concussions in their regular P.E. classes.”
Key signs of a concussion
Do you know how to tell if you or someone else has a concussion? Look for these signs and common symptoms after a traumatic event or blow to the head:
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, feeling lightheaded, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, imbalance or blurry vision.
Cognitive symptoms
Cognitive symptoms of a concussion include having difficulty concentrating or having memory problems, feeling much slower mentally than you did before the concussion, and feeling mentally foggy.
Emotional symptoms
A concussion can cause you to feel more emotional than usual and experience increased sadness, nervousness, irritability or personality changes.
Sleep disturbances
You could have difficulties falling asleep or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, find yourself sleeping much more than usual.
Oliya Yegorov, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, a Providence speech therapist who treats patients in Portland, Oregon, notes that the danger of concussions is not only in the symptoms they create, but in the internal damage they cause. “A traumatic brain injury creates a chemical imbalance and a massive energy shortage in the body,” she said. “People who have problems with sleep, mental health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other challenges can really struggle with recovering from a concussion, because it has taken away the energy they use to fight those pre-existing conditions.”
Recognizing the severity: Mild vs. severe concussions
There are three kinds of concussions, each requiring different levels of care:
- Grade 1 – can cause headache, dizziness, memory loss and nausea. You can usually make a gradual return to normal activities within a few days after the symptoms have passed for this mild traumatic brain injury.
- Grade 2 – symptoms are similar to a Grade 1 concussion, but you could briefly lose consciousness. You may need many days of rest before returning to regular activities.
- Grade 3 – when you lose consciousness for more than five minutes. You can experience amnesia, speech problems, vomiting and seeing stars. And you may be at risk for permanent brain damage — especially if you experience repeated concussions.
When to seek immediate medical attention
If you’re unsure about the severity of a head injury, you should get checked out. “Any time you suspect a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention,” said Liu. “Sometimes it can take a few hours, or even a few days, for the symptoms of a concussion to arise or be noticed.”
You should go straight to an emergency department if you experience the following symptoms:
- Any loss of consciousness
- Any period of amnesia
- Feeling dazed or confused
- Headache
- Seizure
- Vomiting
For young children under 2, seek help if they have any scalp swelling or differences in the way they usually behave.
The importance of medical evaluation and diagnosis
One of the most dangerous aspects of concussions is their hidden nature. While a person could insist they feel fine, there could be significant damage under the surface. A health care professional can run a series of tests and evaluations, such as a computed tomography or CT scan, to determine the brain function and extent of the injury. They can also rule out more serious injuries, which could require additional treatment.
“We want to make sure the person doesn’t have a brain bleed or a skull fracture, or other structural damage that can contribute to things like greater difficulties and death,” said Yegorov.
The treatment and recovery process for a concussion
For mild concussions and mild TBIs, treatment mainly involves “brain rest.” Limit visual and physical activities to shortened time intervals, and keep screen time to a minimum. Ask your health care provider about taking pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Don’t take ibuprofen (Advil), because it may increase your risk of bleeding.
One myth that researchers have debunked is that you shouldn’t let a person with a concussion go to sleep. “If it’s a concussion and not a brain bleed, we actually want a person to sleep and rest,” said Yegorov. “They will be able to recover much faster the more they rest their brain.”
If symptoms don’t get much better after several days of rest, you may need to undergo concussion care and rehabilitation for symptoms related to vision, balance problems, reaction time or thinking and memory. Your doctor can give you medical advice about the best treatment for your recovery.
“Most people recover well from concussions,” said Yegorov. “Folks who have a harder recovery could develop mental health problems later in life. However, if you understand the risks, you can do things to work on stimulating your brain so that you can counteract the effects of a brain injury.”
Contributing caregivers
Connie Liu, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, is a Providence occupational therapist who treats patients in Portland, Oregon.
Oliya Yegorov, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, is a Providence speech therapist who treats patients in Portland, Oregon.
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Related resources
It’s never ‘just’ a concussion
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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