Concussion Signs and Symptoms
With the prevalence of concussions, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions.
In this article, we’ll refer to the signs of a concussion as what a person may observe of another person who suffered a concussion.
Symptoms are those sensations felt by the person dealing with the concussion.
Signs of Concussion
Look out for these following symptoms in another person, with a suspected head injury:
General Signs:
- Amnesia or memory loss
- Disorientation
- Confusion (vacant stare, disorientation, delayed answers to questions, poor concentration, inattention, decreased verbal learning and memory)
Some Red Flags
These are things which may require extra attention, and a trip to the hospital.
1. Mental Status Changes.
- Loss of consciousness
- Language or speech deficit
- Sudden change in memory, disorientation
2. Eye Findings
- Visual disturbance
- Pupils unequal, fixed or dilated
- Eye movements are abnormal
3. Altered Deep tendon reflexes
- Hyperreflexia
4. Altered Muscle Strength
- Decrease in strength, tone or control
- Involuntary movements
5. Sensory deficits
- Numbness or altered sensations
6. Lack of coordination, balance, proprioception
Symptoms of Concussion
These are common symptoms of concussion. Their frequency varies from person to person.
- Headache (75%)
- Blurred Vision (75%)
- Dizziness (60%)
- Nausea and/or vomiting (54%)
- Double Vision (11%)
- Noise Sensitivity or light sensitivity (4%)
- Slurred speech
- Irritability or sadness/depression
- Altered Sleep Pattern
- Imbalance or incoordination
- Loss of consciousness (in 10% of concussion)
The Take Home Message
If you or someone you know has any of these signs and symptoms after a possible head trauma, first find a local hospital or go to your family doctor to help with diagnosis and to rule out red flags. Then come see us at Absolute Health & Wellness where our physiotherapists and chiropractors can help.
References
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Concussions!
About the Author - Dr. Johann de Chickera
Dr. Johann is a fully licensed Naturopathic Doctor. His approach emphasizes the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and improving one’s health naturally. Dr. Johann obtained a Doctor of Naturopathy at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Education at CCNM is a vigorous four years, with a curriculum involving biomedical sciences, physical diagnosis, clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, botanical (herbal) medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle management.
While Dr. Johann has a general practice, he focuses on fertility, hormonal imbalances, gut health, and autoimmune disease.
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