You fell and hit your head. But you didn’t lose consciousness.

Do you have a concussion?

You may. In 90 percent of concussion injuries, people do not lose consciousness. But there are physical, intellectual and emotional changes that may signal a  concussion.

Physical symptoms

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Balance
  • Dizziness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Sound sensitivity
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Problems sleeping
  • Sleeping too much

Intellectual symptoms

  •  Memory problems
  • Feeling hazy, foggy or fuzzy
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty following simple instructions
  • Difficulty concentrating

 Emotional symptoms

  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • Overly emotional

Concussions can be challenging to diagnose. Symptoms may not appear right away, but may develop hours or days later.

Young athletes who want to continue to play may not complain about concussion symptoms. It’s important to observe their behavior. If they exhibit any of the symptoms of a concussion after a head injury, they should see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.