What are the symptoms of concussion (mTBI)?
What is a concussion (mTBI)?
A concussion is a functional and transient form of traumatic brain injury. The term "concussion" is often used interchangeably with "mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)." While this is common, it can confuse folks into saying they had a "mild concussion" - there is no such thing. You cannot have a "mild," "severe," "Grade II or III," etc.. concussion; there is simply concussion.
Once diagnosed, concussion specialists will categorize your concussion into profiles (e.g., anxiety/mood, cognitive/fatigue, ocular, migraine, and/or vestibular).
What are the symptoms of concussion (mTBI)?
Concussion symptoms include physical, mental, emotional, and sleep-related concerns. When looking at "what happens under the hood," the location of your impact does not matter all that much. Your brain globally stretches and shears, leading to generalized autonomic dysfunction and non-specific symptoms.
Common symptoms after a concussion include headache, head pressure, brain fog, trouble concentrating, anxiety, insomnia, etc… A complete list of associated symptoms can be found below.
Having even ONE of these symptoms after an impact (e.g., heavy hit in a game) is enough to suspect a concussion. A general rule for athletes/high-risk folks is: when in doubt, sit out.
Herring, S., Kibler, W. B., Putukian, M., Solomon, G. S., Boyajian-O'Neill, L., Dec, K. L., ... & Sutton, K. M. (2021). Selected issues in sport-related concussion (SRC| mild traumatic brain injury) for the team physician: a consensus statement. British journal of sports medicine.
What are some "red flag" symptoms that warrant an ER visit?
If any of the following symptoms present within 24-48hrs after a concussion injury, that is enough reason for an ER visit/CT scan.
Severe or worsening headache
Very drowsy or can't be woken
Seizures
Decreasing level of consciousness more than 2 hrs after injury (can't recognize people or places)
Unusual behavior, very confused, very irritable
Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
Unsteady on feet or have slurring of speech
Fluid leaking from ears
Bruising behind ears, black eyes)
Vomiting
Inability to remember more than 30 minutes before the injury
While 70-80% of folks who sustain a concussion will recover in 4 weeks, there’s another 20-30% who will have symptoms for longer than 1 month. When in doubt, sit out and get to a concussion specialist for a significantly faster recovery. (How much faster? Learn more here.)
Dr. Mark Heisig is a licensed naturopathic doctor with continuing mTBI education from The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Complete Concussion. Management (CCMI) and The Carrick Institute. His office is located in Scottsdale, AZ.