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Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

By Michael Kaplen

Yesterday's post contained recommendations from the American Academy of Neurology concerning what to do if you suspect a concussion has taking place while engaged in a sporting activity.

Here is a list of common symptoms of a brain injury (concussion).

Symptoms of a concussion:

In Adults:

• Headaches that won't go away
• Trouble with such mental tasks as remembering, concentrating or decision-making
• Slow thinking, speaking, acting or reading
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Feeling tired all the time, having no energy or motivation
• Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
• Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time falling asleep
• Feeling light-headed, dizzy, or losing your balance
• An urge to vomit (nausea)
• Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds or distractions
• Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Ringing in the ears

In Young Children:

• Feeling tired or listless
• Being irritable or cranky (will not stop crying or cannot be consoled)
• Changes in eating (will not eat or nurse)
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in the way the child plays
• Changes in performance at school
• Lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
• Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
• Loss of balance, unsteady gait
• Vomiting

[Source: Centers for Disease Control  Heads Up-Preventing Brain Injuries]

If you or your family member suspects that a concussion has taken place, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on November 09, 2010 (boomark / email).