When you have suffered a blow to the head, sometimes the result can just be a bit of discomfort that corrects itself within a few hours. Sitting quietly with an ice pack on the area that you bumped will often take away the discomfort, with nothing more than a little rest being needed to feel better again.
Other times, however, a traumatic brain injury called a concussion may take place. While rarely life-threatening, this condition should still never be taken lightly. Below, broken down into four separate categories, are the most common concussion symptoms to watch for.
Physical Symptoms
Mild to moderate pain around the injury site is common. Head pain that lasts longer than a day, worsens over time, or is accompanied by nausea and vomiting is definitely cause for concern. Also common is the presence of size differences in your pupils, the small, black portion of your eyeball. A few other physical symptoms to look out for are confused taste and smell, as well as excessive sensitivity to light or sound.
Sleep Differences
After sustaining a brain injury, it is best not to be left alone. A friend or family member should be there for you and report on whether you lost consciousness after the injury, you felt excessively sleepy, or could not fall asleep at all. Even if you are able to report these symptoms yourself, you still should never be left alone after sustaining a head injury. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to prevent a concussed person from sleeping, according to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Mental and Emotional Disturbances
Excessive crying or other swings in emotionality, such as going from severe agitation to marked confusion, or otherwise appearing listless or dazed are common signs of a concussion.
Lessened Coordination
Any sort of weakness or lack of coordination after a head injury is common. You should be able to stand without losing your balance. If a concussion has resulted, you will often experience dizziness that does not pass in a short period of time.
Treatment
If any or all of these symptoms are present, you should be promptly seen by a physician. He or she will invariably suggest you rest and abstain from any sort of physical activity. It will likely be between 24 and 48 hours after the injury occurred before your concussion is "cured" and you are cleared to return to any sense of normalcy in your daily life. To help you cope with the pain you may experience, a pain reliever such as Tylenol may be prescribed to reduce possible tissue swelling. Avoiding alcohol consumption or other sedatives will likely be necessary as well.
Beyond this treatment, it is often best to avoid activities that require intense mental concentration, such as playing video games, school work, or otherwise staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time.
