Symptoms you may notice right away or soon after a hit or jolt to the head or body
Headache or “pressure” in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or trouble balancing
Blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Feeling slowed down, foggy, or groggy
Confusion or trouble concentrating
Trouble remembering new information
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Feeling unusually irritable or emotional
Changes in mood (sadness, anxiety, or nervousness)
Loss of consciousness (may or may not happen)
Seizure
Memory problems (before or after the injury)
Symptoms in children and teens may include
Acting differently, crankiness, or excessive crying
Clumsiness or trouble playing normally
Not acting like themselves
Increased sleepiness or trouble waking up
Loss of interest in usual activities
Red flags—seek emergency care immediately if any of these occur
Worsening headache
Repeated vomiting
Seizure
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
Trouble walking or severe dizziness
Fainting or inability to stay awake
One pupil larger than the other
Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
A neck injury or severe neck pain
Symptoms that last longer than expected or keep getting worse
Symptoms persisting beyond 24–48 hours, or returning after improving
If you suspect a concussion, contact a healthcare professional promptly, especially if symptoms are present or you’re unsure
