blog post cover for article on 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:

  1. Amnesia or memory loss
  2. Disorientation
  3. 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.

  1. Headache (75%)
  2. Blurred Vision (75%)
  3. Dizziness (60%)
  4. Nausea and/or vomiting (54%)
  5. Double Vision (11%)
  6. Noise Sensitivity or light sensitivity (4%)
  7. Slurred speech
  8. Irritability or sadness/depression
  9. Altered Sleep Pattern
  10. Imbalance or incoordination
  11. Loss of consciousness (in 10% of concussion)
Collage of symptoms you can experience after a concussion, such as dizziness, memory problems, depression or anxiety, light and noise sensitivity, fatigue, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, and sleep problems

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

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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.

To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.

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