A concussion can happen after a sports injury even if you do not lose consciousness or have an obvious injury. A collision, fall, or blow to the head can affect how the brain functions, and symptoms may not always appear right away.
Headaches, dizziness, confusion, and changes in coordination are some of the signs to watch for after an impact. Knowing what to look for can help athletes, parents, and coaches recognize when someone should stop playing and get medical attention. AFC Urgent Care Bedford provides walk-in injury care for patients in Bedford and surrounding communities.
What Are the First Signs of a Concussion?
Early concussion symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, confusion, or unusual tiredness. Some people may also have difficulty concentrating or remembering what happened before or after the injury.
Symptoms do not always appear immediately. An athlete may seem fine right after a collision and develop symptoms later, so it is important to pay attention to any changes following a head impact.
Parents and coaches should also watch for changes in a child's behavior. Becoming unusually quiet, irritable, confused, uncoordinated, or less interested in normal activities may be a sign that something is wrong.
If concussion symptoms are suspected, the athlete should stop playing rather than trying to push through them.
Can You Get a Concussion Without Losing Consciousness?
Yes. Losing consciousness is not required for a concussion to occur. Many people remain awake after a head injury but experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
This can make a concussion easy to overlook, particularly when an athlete feels relatively normal immediately after an impact. Continuing to play can also put the athlete at risk for another injury before the initial injury has been evaluated.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Sports-Related Head Injury?
A sports-related head injury should be evaluated if symptoms develop or persist after an impact, particularly when they interfere with normal activities. A healthcare provider can assess the injury and determine whether additional evaluation or follow-up may be needed.
Some symptoms require emergency medical attention. Seek emergency care for a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, increasing confusion, difficulty staying awake, or significant changes in consciousness or behavior.
These warning signs can indicate a more serious head injury and should not be treated as a routine sports injury.
How Should You Handle a Suspected Concussion?
If you suspect a concussion, stop playing and avoid returning to sports until you have been medically evaluated and given appropriate guidance. Do not participate in activities that could result in another blow to the head while you are recovering.
Pay attention to changes in symptoms and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for returning to normal activities. Parents and caregivers should also monitor children after a head injury, especially if their symptoms change or they begin behaving differently.
AFC Urgent Care Bedford provides walk-in care for common sports injuries and other urgent medical concerns. The clinic is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Get Sports Injury Care in Bedford, MA at AFC Urgent Care
A concussion does not always cause someone to lose consciousness, and symptoms may not be obvious immediately after a sports injury. If an athlete develops concerning symptoms following a head impact, getting evaluated can help determine the appropriate next step.
AFC Urgent Care Bedford provides care for sports injuries and other common urgent medical concerns in Bedford and surrounding communities. If you are concerned about possible concussion symptoms after a sports injury, visit the clinic or contact the team at (781) 430-8161 to learn more about your care options.