Concussions can happen to anyone, from the football player taking a hard hit, a toddler falling off playground equipment, or an elderly person slipping on icy pavement. Despite being one of the most common brain injuries, many people struggle to recognize what a concussion feels or looks like when it happens to them or someone they love.
Unlike a broken bone or visible wound, concussions are invisible injuries that can have profound effects on daily life. The symptoms often develop gradually and can be easily dismissed as stress, fatigue, or just “having an off day.” Understanding the signs of concussion and knowing when to seek help can make the difference between a full recovery and months of lingering symptoms.
Causes of concussions
Concussions can result from surprisingly minor incidents. You don’t need to lose consciousness or experience a dramatic accident to sustain a brain injury.
A few causes to be aware of for yourself and your loved ones (children and parents) include:
- Falls
- Everyday accidents (banging into a cabinet or low ceiling)
- Car accidents, even minor ones
- Sports injuries (hockey, soccer, football)
Symptoms of concussions: what you might feel inside
When you’ve had a fall, car accident, or head injury, a concussion may not be the first thing you think of to explain your symptoms. Concussions affect everyone differently, but there are common patterns that emerge.
Physical symptoms
The most recognizable sign is often a headache, but not just any headache. Concussion headaches tend to feel different from typical tension headaches or migraine symptoms. Many people describe them as a dull, persistent pressure or a feeling like their head is “in a fog.”
Dizziness and balance problems are equally common. You might feel like the room is spinning, or you may find yourself stumbling or feeling unsteady on your feet. Some people experience nausea or vomiting, especially in the hours immediately following the injury.
Visual disturbances can be particularly unsettling. Your vision might become blurry, you may see double, or bright lights might suddenly feel painfully intense. Similarly, sounds that never bothered you before might seem overwhelmingly loud.
Cognitive and emotional changes
The mental symptoms of concussion can be just as challenging as the physical ones. Many people report feeling mentally “foggy” or having trouble concentrating on simple tasks. You might find yourself reading the same paragraph multiple times without comprehending it, or struggling to follow conversations.
Memory problems are another hallmark sign. You might have difficulty remembering what happened just before or after the injury, or you may find yourself forgetting routine information like where you put your keys or what you had for lunch.
Sleep disturbances frequently accompany concussions. Some people feel extremely drowsy and sleep much more than usual, while others develop insomnia and struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.
Emotional changes can catch both patients and families off guard. Sudden mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression are all common responses to a concussion. These aren’t character flaws—they’re symptoms of a brain injury that deserves treatment.
Signs of concussion others might notice
Sometimes the person with a concussion isn’t the first to recognize something’s wrong. Family members, friends, or even coworkers might notice behavioral changes before the injured person does.
Look for changes in personality or behavior that seem out of character. Someone who’s typically patient might become easily frustrated, or a usually social person might withdraw from family and friends. These shifts often happen gradually over days or weeks following the injury.
Confusion is another key indicator. The person might seem disoriented, ask the same questions repeatedly, or appear uncertain about familiar places or people. They might also have trouble following directions or completing tasks they normally handle with ease.
Changes in speech patterns can also signal a concussion. This might include speaking more slowly than usual, struggling to find words, or having difficulty following the thread of a conversation.
When symptoms persist
Most concussion symptoms resolve within two to four weeks with proper care. However, some people develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for months or even years after the initial injury. This condition affects approximately 10-20% of people who experience concussions.
Post-concussion syndrome can significantly impact quality of life, affecting work performance, relationships, and overall well-being. The good news is that with proper treatment, most people with persistent symptoms can still achieve significant improvement.
How to handle concussion symptoms
Proper concussion management has evolved significantly over the past decade. The old advice of complete rest until symptoms disappear has been replaced with more nuanced, evidence-based approaches that involve a measured amount of return to activity.
Seek immediate medical evaluation
If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention promptly. All evidence points to prompt treatment improving outcomes. A healthcare professional can properly assess the injury, rule out more serious complications, and provide personalized recovery guidance.
Emergency medical care is essential if symptoms include repeated vomiting, severe confusion, seizures, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake.
Balance rest with gradual activity
While complete rest was once the standard recommendation, research now shows that some activity can actually promote healing. After an initial period of rest (typically 24-48 hours), gradually returning to light mental and physical activities under professional guidance often leads to better outcomes.
This doesn’t mean jumping back into full activities immediately. Instead, it involves slowly increasing activity levels while monitoring symptoms and adjusting as needed.
Address specific symptoms
Different symptoms may require different treatment approaches. Headaches might respond to certain medications or therapies, while balance problems may benefit from specialized physical therapy exercises.
Sleep hygiene becomes particularly important during concussion recovery. Maintaining regular sleep schedules, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a calm sleeping environment can support the healing process.
Post-concussion treatment in Apache Junction, AZ
Recovery from a concussion doesn’t have to be a journey you navigate alone. Professional guidance can make a significant difference in both the speed and completeness of your recovery.
At Continuum Wellness in Apache Junction, our team understands the complex nature of concussion recovery. We provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans that address your specific symptoms and recovery goals.
Learn more about your options from the injury you’re concerned about by calling our clinic or by requesting an appointment online today.