Concussions occur when your brain hits the skull due to a blow to the head or violent shaking. Falls and contact sports and the two most common causes of concussions, and most people fully recover. It’s important to receive medical attention if someone is experiencing symptoms of a concussion. 

The providers at AFC Urgent Care Burlington are able to treat many different injuries, including concussions. As long as the symptoms are not at an emergency level, our providers can treat your symptoms and make recommendations for a speedy recovery. Visit our center for injury treatment today. 

Symptoms of a Concussion

It’s important to be aware of concussion symptoms, as they don’t always show up immediately after the impact. These symptoms can also last for weeks to months after the incident. Confusion, headache, or loss of memory are the most common symptoms of a concussion. 

More physical symptoms of a concussion include:

• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue

Additional symptoms may include:

• Brain fog or confusion
• Amnesia
• Dizziness

As a person watching the event, if you witness the following signs, it is possible this person may have a concussion:

• Slurred speech
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Forgetfulness
• Dazed appearance

Some symptoms may stay around for days after the impact. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, a person with a concussion may experience:

• Concentration or memory problems
• Irritability
• Sensitivity to light
• Depression or psychological adjustments
• Trouble sleeping

Symptoms in Children

It can be more difficult to quickly diagnose children or toddlers with a concussion, as they aren’t able to describe what they’re feeling. Children constantly fall, so concussions may happen easily to them. Some clues they have a concussion can include:

• Dazed appearance
• Irritability
• Loss of balance or unsteady walking
• Excessive crying
• Change in eating habits
• Vomiting
• Seizures

When to See a Doctor

If your child suffers from some sort of blow to the head, visit your doctor or pediatrician to have them checked, even if they aren’t showing signs of a concussion. If your child remains alert and is moving around and responding normally, it’s important to still get them checked, but their trauma likely wasn’t severe. In this case, if they want to nap, it is safe to let them do so. 

If your child experiences any of the following signs receive medical attention immediately:

• Loss of consciousness for 30 seconds or more
• Repeated vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Fluid or blood from the ears or nose
• Weakness in limbs
• Ringing in the ear or headache that gets worse over time
• Change in behavior
• Confusion
• Recurrent dizziness
• Symptoms that do not get better with time
• Large bumps or bruises on the forehead