Symptoms:

A concussion results from a significant blow to the head. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:

• Headache
• Altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss (amnesia) of events surrounding the injury

Emergency signs:

• Changes in alertness and consciousness
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness on one or both sides
• Persistent confusion
• Persistent unconsciousness (coma)
• Repeated vomiting
• Unequal pupils
• Unusual eye movements
• Walking problems

Head injuries which result in concussion often are associated with injury to the neck and spine. Take particular care when moving patients who have had a head injury.

Signs and tests:

A neurological examination may show abnormalities.

Tests that may be performed include:

• Head CT
• MRI of the head