What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?                                                    

Students who experience one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body should be referred to a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.

There is no one single indicator for concussion. Rather, recognizing a concussion requires a symptom assessment. The signs and symptoms of concussion can take time to appear and can become more noticeable during concentration and learning activities in the classroom. For this reason, it is important to watch for changes in how the student is acting or feeling, if symptoms become worse, or if the student just “doesn't feel right.”

                                                         SIGNS OBSERVED

Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about events • Answers questions slowly • Repeats questions • Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall • Can’t recall events after the hit, bump, or fall • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows behavior or personality changes

                                              SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY THE STUDENT

Thinking/Remembering: • Difficulty thinking clearly • Difficulty concentrating or remembering • Feeling more slowed down • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

Physical: • Headache or “pressure” in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems or dizziness • Fatigue or feeling tired • Blurry or double vision • Sensitivity to light or noise • Numbness or tingling • Does not “feel right”

Emotional: • Irritable • Sad • More emotional than usual • Nervous

Sleep: • Drowsy • Sleeps lessthan usual • Sleeps morethan usual • Has trouble falling asleep

Remember, you can’t see a concussion and some students may not experience or report symptoms until   hours or days after the injury. Most young people with a concussion will recover quickly and fully. But for some, concussion signs and symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer.

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/