Symptoms & Signs
A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:
- Headache
- Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss (amnesia) of events surrounding the injury
Emergency signs:
- Changes in alertness and consciousness
- Convulsions
- Muscle weakness on one or both sides
- Persistent confusion
- Persistent unconsciousness (coma)
- Repeated vomiting
- Unequal pupils
- Unusual eye movements
- Walking problems
Head injuries which result in concussion often are associated with injury to the neck and spine. Take particular care when moving patients who have had a head injury.
Diagnosis & Tests
A neurological examination may show abnormalities.
Tests that may be performed include:
- Head CT
- MRI of the head
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Concussion : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Concussion : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Concussion : Treatment
Review Date : 1/16/2009
Reviewed By : Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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