What Does a Concussion Feel Like?

Sometimes it’s obvious that you should see a doctor about a potential concussion, but often it’s not. If you have a concussion, it’s vital to get medical attention ASAP. But what does a concussion feel like, and how do you know when you should schedule a doctor’s appointment?

What Does a Concussion Feel Like?

Did you know that over 200,000 people in the United States go to the emergency room for potential concussions every year? This may seem like a lot of people, but unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more common than many people realize. If you have an injury that causes a mild concussion, you might not even notice it right away. How is that possible?

Every Concussion Is Different

You probably have an idea of how concussions happen: someone gets a bump on the head, followed by unconsciousness or obvious dizziness and mental impairment. That person obviously needs to see a doctor. But what if it’s not that simple?

It’s important to remember that a concussion is a medical term for what happens when your brain is traumatically moved within your skull, usually due to an impact to the head or body. When this occurs, it stretches and damages neurons, leading to the symptoms we recognize as signs of a concussion. While there are some commonalities between concussion victims, the actual symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected by the injury. That’s why it’s important to know concussion symptoms, so you’ll know when to get the help you need.

But what does a concussion feel like? Those who have concussions often describe feeling “off,” like they know something’s not quite right, but they’re not sure exactly why. Dizziness, nausea, and headaches are also very common. However, they are not the only things you’ll feel when you have a concussion. A concussion can include any and all of the following symptoms:

• Headaches or “pressure” in the head
• Vision issues (double vision, blurry vision, or other vision disturbances)
• Light and noise sensitivity
• Mood swings and irritability
• Dizziness and other balance issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and concentration issues

Any combination of these symptoms can denote a concussion. While they are often immediately apparent after an injury, sometimes they can take a few days to show up. After you have sustained any kind of head injury or significant bodily impact, it is important to monitor your well-being and see a doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Because of the way concussions affect the brain, sometimes they’re more obvious to others than they are to us. If you think you may have a concussion, keep an eye out for these symptoms, and ask friends or family if they notice them too. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should assume you may have a concussion and seek medical attention:

• Difficulty or slowness in communication
• Easily forgetting instructions or other evident memory problems
• Clumsiness or balance issues
• Dramatic mood shifts

Why Is It Important to Diagnose Concussions?

You may be wondering why it’s so important to identify and treat a concussion. After all, if you miss your concussion symptoms, can the injury really be that bad?

When it comes to a TBI, the answer is a firm yes. If you have a concussion, your brain needs rest and rehabilitation in order to heal correctly. Continuing to live your life as normal after you get a concussion can make the symptoms last longer, and can even make them worse with some types of injuries. If you suspect you may have a concussion, even if you aren’t sure, you should speak with a concussion specialist as soon as possible.

_____

What does a concussion feel like? Dizziness, nausea, and headaches are the most common symptoms, but a lack of them doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. The only person who can definitively tell you whether you have a concussion or not is a doctor. If you suspect you have one, visit our Concussion Clinic today to get the help you need.

Worried you might have a concussion? Are you in need of medical or legal advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.