Megan Groh Miller, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine
Understanding concussion, its symptoms and treatments
A concussion is a direct blow to the head or a blow to the body where the head experiences a whiplash force, even if there is no direct trauma to the head. If this traumatic event is followed by developing one or more concerning symptoms listed below, which generally appear within minutes of the traumatic event, then a concussion should be suspected.
Concussions can, but frequently do not, involve loss of consciousness. The most common concussion symptom is a headache, but one may also experience:
- dizziness
- nausea
- difficulty remembering or concentrating
- sleep abnormalities
- mood disturbance
- light and/or noise sensitivity
- neck pain
- vision issues and/or fatigue
Athletes with a suspected concussion should not return to play the same day; they should seek medical care and follow a set graduated return-to-play protocol.