Traumatic Brain Injury: Signs and Symptoms
Published on December 16th, 2011 by Diana Duren.
Call the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center 24/7 at (615) 875-VSCC
Symptoms:
• Headache or pressure in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
• Problems sleeping (too little or too much)
• Trouble communicating
Signs Observed by Others:
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to injury
• Can’t recall events after injury
When to go to the Emergency Department:
• Difficult to wake up
• Severe confusion
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe headache
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Changes in vision that do not get better
• Symptoms are worsening
