Sometimes called a mild traumatic brain injury, a concussion is caused by a blow or a jolt to the head. The injury keeps the brain from working normally. Symptoms of a concussion may last less than a day or may linger for months or longer.
Millions of mild traumatic brain injuries occur in the U.S. each year, but most don't require a visit to the hospital.
These are symptoms of a possible concussion:
- Headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Trouble thinking normally
- Memory problems
- Trouble walking
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Changes in sleep patterns
These symptoms may occur right away. But some may not start for weeks or even months after the injury.
Don't bang your head against a wall looking for this.