You may have heard the word “concussion” but may not fully understand what it is. Let’s break down this common injury, including symptoms to watch for and when to seek help in an emergency room (ER) for a concussion.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild injury to the brain and is often the result of an impact to the head. An impact to the body can sometimes affect the head also, leading to a concussion.
A concussion can cause someone to lose consciousness, but it is more common for the person to remain conscious.
What Causes a Concussion?
Many things can cause a concussion. Common causes include:
- Sports, including football, soccer, boxing, rugby, hockey, or other sports with significant physical contact.
- Not using helmets or other protective equipment.
- Falls.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Bicycle accidents.
Recognizing that someone may be suffering from a concussion is critical and enables you to get them the help they need. Let’s explore some common signs of a concussion.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Common signs of a concussion include:
- Headache.
- Blurred vision.
- Light and noise sensitivity.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Drowsiness.
- Lethargy or fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting
- Irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Delayed response to questions.
- Difficulty recalling information.
Pediatric Concussion Symptoms
Young children or infants may be unable to describe some concussion symptoms, making it a bit harder to recognize signs of a concussion. In addition to the previous symptoms, watch for these concussion signs in children:
- Significant crying.
- Appearing dazed.
- Listlessness.
- Balance problems.
- Changes to sleep or eating habits.
- Losing interest in toys or activities.
When To Go to the ER for a Concussion
If you or your child has had a head injury, you should be seen by a healthcare provider within 1 or 2 days. It is important to see a professional who is trained in diagnosing and managing concussions.
When should you get to the ER immediately for a concussion or head injury? Watch for some key signs that can indicate a concussion is especially serious.
Concussion Red Flags
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting.
- Ongoing dizziness.
- Losing consciousness.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Behavior changes.
- Severe headache.
- Ongoing ringing in the ears.
- Fluid or blood coming from the ears or nose.
- Bruises around the eyes or ears.
- Large bumps or bruises on the head.
- Vision changes.
- Unequal pupil sizes.
- Slurring words.
- Stumbling or lack of coordination.
- Seizures.
- Worsening symptoms.
If you or your child shows any of these signs or symptoms, get help right away in an ER.
Concussion Treatment and Recovery
Rest and recovery are crucial parts of concussion treatment. You should never return to sports or exercise right after experiencing a head injury.
Medical professionals typically recommend not returning to activities that can put someone at risk for further head injury. You may be advised to keep your child home from school and gradually reintroduce them to schoolwork and school attendance to promote brain rest.
A medical provider can advise you on a stepwise approach to return you or your child to normal activities based on the nature and severity of the injury.
Emergency Care for Concussions at Prestige ER
At Prestige ER, we provide comprehensive emergency care for concussions and many other medical emergencies.
Our professional and experienced team can provide the emergency services you need without the long wait times typically associated with a hospital-based emergency room.
Featuring onsite labs and diagnostic imaging, Prestige ER is equipped to quickly diagnose and treat a full spectrum of injuries, infections, and illnesses. For fast, convenient care for a wide range of medical emergencies in adults and children, visit a Prestige ER location near you.
