A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head from either an object or another athlete/person. These can range from mild to severe, you do NOT need to lose consciousness for it to be a concussion.
This injury can affect the way the brain normally works and impact other areas of life. Concussions typically have a combination of the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea
- Sluggishness, fogginess, grogginess
- Irritability
- Concentration or memory problems
- Can manifest in class
- Delayed reaction time
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to weeks after an injury depending on the severity. If activity is resumed too soon following injury, these symptoms may reappear and delay improvements.
Following a concussion, or suspected concussion, it is important to recover from the injury completely before resuming normal activities such as school, work, or activity. Since a concussion can affect everyday activities, balance, sleep, and cognitive function, it is imperative to be examined by a health care professional such as a physician or athletic trainer before you return to activity.
For more information, please refer to the links below.
Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center
NATA Position Statement
CDC.gov/concussion