How do you recognize a concussion?

Recognizing a concussion is primarily based on identifying a range of symptoms that indicate potential brain injury. Confusion, headache, dizziness, and nausea are classic signs associated with concussions. These symptoms arise because a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can disrupt normal brain function.

Confusion typically manifests as disorientation regarding time, place, or person, while headaches are a common symptom following trauma to the head. Dizziness may occur as a result of balance issues related to the injury, and nausea can be a direct consequence of changes in brain function or as a response to headaches. The presence of these symptoms indicates that the brain has potentially been affected, making them critical to recognize for early assessment and management.

In contrast, other signs, such as bleeding from the ears or severe pain in the neck, are more indicative of other serious injuries rather than a concussion. Loss of consciousness, while it can occur with a concussion, is not a requirement for diagnosis, as many concussions happen without the individual ever losing consciousness. Therefore, the combination of confusion, headache, dizziness, and nausea provides a more comprehensive and accurate approach to recognizing a concussion.