How can you tell if someone has a concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.

Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head. Violently shaking the head and upper body also can cause concussions.

Some concussions cause you to lose consciousness, but most do not. It's possible to have a concussion and not realize it.

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer.

Any symptoms are potentially serious and should be checked at a hospital. Most concussions are not too serious and will heal with time, but they can mask more serious injuries such as bleeding on the brain, which can lead to brain damage or death.

Repeated concussions can cause damage to the point of dementia.

Symptoms may include:
Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
Dizziness or "seeing stars"
Ringing in the ears
Nausea
Vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Appearing dazed
Fatigue

Some symptoms may become obvious immediately after the blow. Others may be delayed for hours or days after injury, such as:
Concentration and memory complaints
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Disorders of taste and smell
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Head trauma is very common in young children. But concussions can be difficult to recognise in infants and toddlers because they can't describe how they feel. Concussion clues may include:

Appearing dazed
Listlessness and tiring easily
Irritability and crankiness
Loss of balance and unsteady walking
Crying excessively
Change in eating or sleeping patterns
Lack of interest in favourite toys

It's different for everyone. I've had both a mild and a severe concussion in the past. Mild ones usually aren't bad or anything to worry about, but the severe ones are because you can have head trauma of some types. Some usual signs of concussion are going unconscious during the head injury, severe headaches/migraines, sound and or light sensitivity, any wounds or bleeding to head, nausea and vomiting, and having trouble staying awake after the initial head injury. If you or someone you know has hit their head on something and you're worried about whether there's a concussion or not then it's always a good idea to go to the ER and get checked out.