We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Side Effects of a Concussion?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 41,143
Share

A concussion is a brain or head injury caused by trauma to the head. Concussions are common injuries, and often result in no long-term damage. Nevertheless, getting a concussion can be painful, and on occasion may include more serious side effects, such as brain damage. Watching for the side effects of a concussion following an injury or accident can let people know when to seek medical treatment.

Mild side effects of a concussion typically occur within a few minutes or hours following an injury, and may last for several days. These may include nausea, dizziness, shock, headache, or pain around the injured area. Concussed persons may not remember being injured, or may have some short-term memory loss of the events leading up to the injury. Vision may also become temporarily blurry immediately following the injury.

Other side effects of a concussion that may be cause for some concern include vomiting, repeated loss of consciousness, severe chills, and an inability to remember what has happened, even after being informed repeatedly. These side effects may be caused by swelling in the brain, which can also disrupt reflexes, affect memory and speech, and cause feelings of extreme drowsiness. Medical experts generally recommend seeking prompt medical attention if any of these side effects occur.

Even with a mild injury, a concussion affect someone for several days or even weeks. Post-concussive syndrome is a documented medical occurrence, and usually presents as a severe headache, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness. In addition, a blow to the head may cause abrasions, cuts, or bumps that may be painful and tender for some time. Once a doctor has ruled out any serious issues, care for these side effects usually involves taking a mild pain reliever and resting. If the concussion occurs as the result of sports training or activity, the patient may be told to avoid resuming the activity until the pain or other side effects have worn off.

Side effects of a serious concussion can be more severe, and may last longer. If a person has a history of concussions or head injuries, he or she may be more likely to suffer neurological damage, which may lead to long-term memory loss, personality disorders, or other psychological conditions triggered by the trauma. Another side effect of a concussion is that it may make it easier to suffer another concussion in the future, which is why many athletes in contact sports are advised to retire after having several head injuries.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By vigilant — On Dec 22, 2012

@clippers - Is there treatment for something like that? Can the effects be reversed, or do people with this condition just learn to manage the symptoms?

By clippers — On Dec 22, 2012

The long term effects of a concussion can be debilitating and severe. I saw it happen in my brother.

He suffered a concussion as part of a workplace injury. He was out of work for about two weeks and then was cleared to come back. He still works there now, but he is a different person than he was three years ago. His personality is different, his memory is skewed, he is just not himself.

I know he is aware of it, but he has resisted trying to get treatment because he is stubborn like that.

By nextcorrea — On Dec 21, 2012
My son plays high school football and is probably going to get a scholarship to go play in college. With all the talk of concussions in the NFL I have become very worried about his safety. Can someone tell me how I can identify a concussion in my son? If anything is happening to him I want to know as early as possible and I spend more time with him than the trainers or doctors do.
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-side-effects-of-a-concussion.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.