5 Concussion Symptoms: What to Look Out For

5 Signs of a Concussion & What To Do Next

Recognizing the signs of a concussion early is essential to ensure proper care and a safe recovery. Whether it happens during sports, a fall, or a car accident, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that shouldn’t be ignored.

At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, Colorado, we specialize in helping people recover from concussions with evidence-based physical therapy and neurological care. Below, we explain the most common concussion symptoms, what to watch for, and what steps to take if you suspect a concussion.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly—results in the brain bouncing or twisting inside the skull. This can lead to chemical changes and sometimes damage to brain cells.

Did you know that a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)? It can happen after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—or even to the body—that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden motion can result in bruising, swelling, or damage to brain cells, blood vessels, and nerves.

Common causes of concussions include:

• Sports injuries

• Car accidents

• Falls

• Bicycle or scooter accidents

• Workplace injuries

Often, people don't even realize when they have a concussion. They don't get treated because they don't know when to see a doctor after getting injured. If you don't get help for a concussion, it can cause problems that stick around. Studies say that even one concussion can make your chances of getting dementia go up by 72%. (1)

Spotting the 5 Concussion Symptoms

There are several signs and symptoms of a concussion that you can experience following an accident. Sometimes, these signs might not show up until days or weeks after you get hurt. It’s important to be on the lookout for the symptoms below. If you notice any of these things, take charge and make an appointment!

Here are five common concussion symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Headache or Pressure in the Head

A persistent headache is the most commonly reported symptom of a concussion. It may feel dull, throbbing, or like intense pressure inside the skull. If your headache worsens over time, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly.

2. Dizziness or Balance Issues

Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or off-balance can indicate that your brain's normal communication pathways are disrupted. Some people also experience blurred or double vision, making it difficult to move around safely or focus their eyes.

3. Confusion or Brain Fog

If you feel mentally cloudy, disoriented, or just “off,” it could be a sign your brain is having trouble processing information. This symptom is often referred to as “brain fog” and may make it hard to concentrate or think clearly.

4. Memory Loss

Forgetfulness or gaps in memory, especially surrounding the time of the injury, is a red flag. You may not remember what happened before, during, or after the incident. This type of memory loss is a key indicator of a concussion.

5. Fatigue or Sleepiness

Feeling unusually tired, sluggish, or needing more sleep than usual is common after a concussion. Some people may also struggle to stay awake, or feel like they’re moving in slow motion.

Some symptoms are a sign of a more serious brain injury, and you need to see a doctor right away if you have them. If you’re throwing up repeatedly, your headache is getting progressively worse, you feel weak, super confused, talk funny, can't coordinate well or walk right, have seizures, or pass out, get medical help right away!

Additional Symptoms of a Concussion

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual

• Irritability or mood swings

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  

If you’re wondering how to tell if you have a concussion, pay close attention to these symptoms in the hours and days following a head injury. Not everyone loses consciousness, so it's important not to rely on that alone.

Watch for Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Sometimes concussion symptoms show up right away. Other times, they take hours or even days to appear. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after 7–10 days—or they’re getting worse—it’s time to see a concussion specialist.

Delayed concussion symptoms can include:

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Trouble concentrating

• Mood swings or irritability

• Trouble sleeping

• Persistent fatigue

• Headaches

• Feeling dizzy

• Not liking bright light or loud noise

• Having a hard time paying attention

• Getting easily irritated or having mood changes

What To Do If You Suspect a Concussion

1. Stop all physical activity immediately. Continuing to play sports or exercise could worsen symptoms or cause a second injury.

2. Seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can evaluate the severity of the concussion and recommend next steps.

3. Rest—both physically and mentally. Limit screen time, bright lights, and high-stimulus environments.

4. Monitor for worsening symptoms. If symptoms like vomiting, loss of consciousness, or slurred speech occur, seek emergency care immediately.

5. Consider physical therapy. At Sparq PT, we offer customized concussion rehabilitation programs to address balance, vision, and cognitive function.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do concussion symptoms last? Most symptoms improve within 7–14 days, but some may persist for weeks or months, especially without proper treatment.

Can I sleep after a concussion? Yes—but someone should monitor you for the first few hours in case symptoms worsen.

When should I see a physical therapist for a concussion? If symptoms linger beyond a few days or you experience dizziness, balance issues, or difficulty focusing, physical therapy can help accelerate recovery.

So you’ve had a concussion, now what? Check out our blog on how to deal with your concussion. 

Please note that the thoughts and ideas presented in this article reflect the author's viewpoint, unless stated otherwise. This content should not be considered as individual medical guidance. The details shared are designed to assist readers in making well-informed choices regarding their own health and well-being.

Resources

1:  Morissette MP, Prior HJ, Tate RB, et al. Associations between concussion and risk of diagnosis of psychological and neurological disorders: a retrospective population-based cohort study. Fam Med Com Health. Published online July 27, 2020. doi:10.1136/fmch-2020-000390