What are 5 symptoms of a concussion?

How long does a concussion last?

In most people, symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go away within three months. Sometimes, they can persist for a year or more. The goal of treatment after concussion is to effectively manage your symptoms.

How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start?

For some people, the symptoms after a concussion may not become apparent until later in the day, says Beth Kolar, advanced clinician at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Main Line Health, who explains that delayed concussion symptoms may present 24 to 48 hours after and injury.

How do you know if you have a concussion?

Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia) and confusion. The amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion. Physical signs and symptoms of a concussion may include: Headache.

Is it safe to sleep with a concussion?

Medical experts once warned that people should stay awake if they had a concussion. They based this advice on the theory that sleeping with a concussion could cause a person to fall into a coma or even die. However, medical experts now agree that it is safe for a person to sleep if they have a concussion.

Should I go to ER for Concussion?

Should I Go to the Hospital for a Concussion? In general, any head injury associated with loss of consciousness, seizures, prolonged confusion or amnesia, neck pain, vomiting or numbness or weakness in arms or legs should be transported to the emergency room in an ambulance right away.

When should you go to the doctor after hitting your head?

When should I see my doctor? You should see your doctor after a head injury if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have bad headaches, repeated vomiting, difficulty using your arms or legs, or worsening sleepiness or confusion.

What to do after getting a concussion?

Rest (for 12 days after the concussion)

  1. Get plenty of sleep (at least 810 hours in a 24-hour period).
  2. Keep regular sleep and wake times.
  3. No screen time or listening to loud music before bed.
  4. Avoid caffeine.
  5. Nap during the day, as needed.

Can I sleep after I hit my head?

Unless a doctor says the person needs further treatment, the injured person should sleep and rest. A concussion can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Is a concussion serious?

A single concussion usually doesn’t cause permanent damage to your brain. Multiple concussions over a lifetime may result in structural changes in your brain. Concussions are not usually life-threatening. However, the effects from a concussion can be serious and last for days, weeks or even longer.

How do your eyes look when you have a concussion?

After more serious head injuries are excluded, a diagnosis of concussion can be made. Medical professionals have long used the pupillary light reflex usually in the form of a penlight test where they shine a light into a patient’s eyes to assess severe forms of brain injury.

Can hitting your head cause a brain bleed?

Intracranial hematomas (brain bruising and bleeding) may occur after hitting your head. The force of the impact often ruptures the brain’s delicate blood vessels, causing blood to fill the intracranial space.

What are the stages of a concussion?

There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.

What position should you sleep in with a concussion?

Make sure you are keeping yourself positioned as close to neutral as possible. This means keeping your head aligned with your spine, regardless if you’re lying on your side or on your back. If you’re lying on your side, you may need to use two pillows to keep your head elevated to the correct height.

What can you do at home for a concussion?

How can you care for yourself at home?

  1. Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome.
  2. Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine.
  3. Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. …
  4. Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.

What if a concussion goes untreated?

A: Concussion left untreated can lead to long-term complications. Potential complications of a concussion include chronic headaches, memory problems, vertigo, and post-concussion syndrome, which is headaches, dizziness, mood swings, and brain fog that can continue for months or years after a concussion.

What do hospitals do for concussions?

1 Sometimes after a head injury, an overnight stay in the hospital for observation is advisable, but it’s rarely necessary. Only a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) would require an intervention such as surgery. In fact, the most effective prescription for a concussion is resttotal rest.

Should you put ice on a bump on the head?

Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain. When a person has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull as well. This may cause a more serious head injury which may make them feel sick or drowsy.

What are the symptoms of a slow brain bleed?

Symptoms of a subdural haematoma can include:

Can doctors do anything for a concussion?

However, most concussions don’t require surgery or any major medical treatment. If the concussion is causing headaches, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

How do you treat a head injury at home?

People can often treat mild head injuries at home. Applying a cold pack to the area can help to reduce swelling. A person can also take Tylenol but should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, unless a doctor prescribes them.

What should you do immediately after hitting your head?

Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. But don’t apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture. Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation no breathing, coughing or movement begin CPR.

Can you take ibuprofen with a concussion?

If you have a headache, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain. Avoid taking other pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) if you suspect you’ve had a concussion. These may increase the risk of bleeding.

Can you watch TV with a concussion?

Generally, after suffering a concussion, patients are encouraged to avoid reading, watching TV and using mobile devices to help their brains heal.