If you have a severe concussion, the symptoms are usually easy to spot. But what if you get the kind of concussion that isn’t obvious right away? Learn how to recognize delayed concussion symptoms so you’ll know when it’s time to seek medical attention.
Delayed Concussion Symptoms
You may think that a concussion would be hard to miss. The symptoms are obvious: dizziness, headache, and nausea following a blow to the head. If you don’t experience the symptoms of a concussion right away, you might assume you don’t have one, and return to business as usual. However, that assumption could become a grave mistake. Depending on the source of your concussion and the severity of your injury, a concussion might not be obvious right away. Learning about delayed concussion symptoms is the best way to make sure you get the care you need when you need it the most.
How Can Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?
Many people are not aware of the prevalence of delayed concussion symptoms, but they’re more common than you might think. To understand where delayed concussion symptoms come from, it’s helpful to learn about how concussions work.
A concussion occurs when your head or body experiences a severe impact. This can include car accidents, falls, and even sports injuries. The concussion is caused when your head or neck are moved rapidly, resulting in your brain twisting or moving unexpectedly inside of your skull. When this occurs, brain cells can be damaged, resulting in the outward symptoms of a concussion.
In many situations, the cause-and-effect of a concussion is easy to spot. If someone experiences a traumatic head or body injury and then starts exhibiting concussion symptoms, it’s typically easy for a doctor to diagnose them with a concussion. However, there are some situations that can lead to delayed concussion symptoms:
- Some symptoms of a concussion are easy to see, such as dizziness or nausea. However, there are also concussion symptoms that can be harder to spot, such as memory loss. Since every concussion is different, someone may have a concussion that isn’t immediately apparent but still present.
- Sometimes concussions cause brain injuries that take a while before they affect a person’s day-to-day life. Concussion symptoms typically improve within a few weeks, but for some people, they actually get worse as the injury starts to have an impact on their mental functions.
- If a person has a history of concussions, future concussions can be more severe. Minor injuries can lead to concussions for anyone with a history of traumatic brain injuries or repeated impacts to the head and body, such as sports injuries. If someone experiences a minor injury and does not seek medical attention, they may not notice their concussion for some time.
The main thing to remember is that every concussion is different, and only a doctor can tell you whether you have one or not. If you think you may have a concussion, don’t ignore it!
What Can I Do About Delayed Concussion Symptoms?
How can you tell if you have a concussion? Symptoms include the following:
- Nausea and headaches
- Dizziness
- “Brain fog,” or cognitive difficulties throughout the day
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Ringing in the ears
- Emotional instability (excessive irritability, depression, or other new emotional issues)
- Difficulty paying attention or remembering things
If you are experiencing these issues, you should see a concussion specialist for an evaluation right away. Even if it’s been days or weeks since the initial injury, you could still be dealing with delayed concussion symptoms that would benefit from medical attention.
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If you suspect you may have delayed concussion symptoms, seeing a concussion specialist should be your next move. Visit the Concussion Clinic at the National Dizzy and Balance Center for expert diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating concussions, including delayed concussion symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.
