Concussion - Symptoms
Symptoms of concussion include:
- Disorientation (confusion) as to time, date, or place
- Vacant stare or confused expression
- Speech that is difficult to understand
- Lack of coordination or weakness
- Amnesia (loss of memory) about events just preceding the blow
- Nausea or vomiting
- Double vision
- Ringing in the ears
These symptoms may last from several minutes to several hours. More severe or longer-lasting symptoms may indicate more severe brain injury. If a person loses consciousness, it will be for several minutes at the most. If unconsciousness last for a longer period, a more serious form of brain injury may have occurred.
Doctors use a three-point system to determine the seriousness of a concussion. This system helps them to choose the appropriate treatment.
- Grade 1: No loss of consciousness, brief confusion, and other symptoms that clear up within 15 minutes.
- Grade 2: No loss of consciousness, brief confusion, and other symptoms that clear up in more than 15 minutes.
- Grade 3: Loss of consciousness for any period of time.
Days or weeks after the original concussion, certain symptoms may reoccur. These symptoms are called post-concussion syndrome. They include:
- Loss of ability to concentrate and pay attention
- Sleep disturbance
- Inability to tolerate light and noise.