A concussion consists of a variety of signs and symptoms, which typically occur rapidly after the injury, but subside within days or weeks. I have experienced cases where signs or symptoms have taken as long 24-48 hours to present, so caution must be taken in all cases where a suspected head injury has occurred.
Some signs and symptoms may also arise after resuming activity, so following the structured return to play (RTP) is a must. Signs and symptoms are variable for each individual in term of type, intensity, and duration. They are also different from one head injury to another within an individual who has suffered from multiple concussions.
Signs & Symptoms can generally be broken down into four (4) categories: Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, and Sleep
Remember that a symptom is something the injured person will self-report (subjective), whereas a sign is something seen by the medical professional/coach/parent/teammate (objective)
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. Contact your health care professional or emergency department right away if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:
Headache that gets worse and does not go away.
Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination.
Repeated vomiting or nausea.
Slurred speech.
The people checking on you should take you to an emergency department right away if you:
Look very drowsy or cannot be awakened.
Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other.
Have convulsions or seizures.
Cannot recognize people or places.
Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated.
Have unusual behavior.
Lose consciousness (a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously and the person should be carefully monitored).