A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head causes your brain to slide back and forth against the walls of your inner skull. This forceful movement creates chemical changes in the brain and can stretch or damage brain cells. Concussions can occur during contact sports and motor vehicle/bicycle accidents, or from falling or physical abuse.
This type of injury can temporarily affect your brain function, and lead to serious long term complications. General symptoms include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. You may have a concussion and not realize it.
Concussion symptoms
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Confusion
- Feeling foggy, dazed, groggy, in a haze
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Fatigue
Other symptoms may appear hours or days after the injury. You may experience issues with concentration, memory, and sleep. Irritability, personality changes, sensitivity to light and noise, and disorders of taste and smell are also common.
Signs of a concussion, as seen by others:
- Amnesia or confusion surrounding the traumatic event
- Delayed response to questions
- Appears dazed
- Slurred speech
- Forgets instructions, or is confused during simple tasks
- Loss of consciousness
For any head injury, it’s important to seek an evaluation from a doctor, even if emergency care isn’t required.
As long as you did not experience a loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting as a result of your head injury, our urgent care center is a good place to seek care. Our providers are available to perform quick diagnostics and can ensure that the injury is not life-threatening or require emergency treatment. Always err on the safe side in regards to a brain injury! Walk into our clinic today for a fast, affordable evaluation and an expert treatment plan.
When to seek emergency treatment:
Call 911 or head straight to the emergency room for any head injury associated with a loss of consciousness, seizures, neck pain, vomiting or numbness, prolonged confusion or amnesia, or weakness in arms or legs.