Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer…What are the signs of a concussion?  There are many different signs and symptoms of a concussion. Some are obvious and others  subtle.  Some conscussion signs may appear immediately and others may not be for days or even months. 

The most common signs of a concussion are headache, amnesia, confusion or loss of consciousness.

Other signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• headache or pressure in the head
• slurred speech
• loss of consciousness
• confusion
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• no recollection of event
• dizziness or blurred vision
• “ringing” in the ears

Often times, after an injury signs appear later on. Often times people with a concussion may exhibit:

• difficulty with concentration and memory
• irritability and personality changes
• eyes and ears are sensitive to light and noise
• difficulty sleeping
• depression
• tastebuds and smell are off

Symptoms of a child concussion
Head trauma or concussions are particularly hard to identify in young children,  infants and toddlers because they have difficulty communicating how they feel.

Typical signs of a concussion in a child

• tires easily
• irritable or cranky
• loss of appetite
• trouble sleeping
• uninterested
• loss of balance

It is always best to have your child checked by a doctor if you suspect they may have a head injury.  Because their skulls are so soft and developing, there is a greater chance of a severe head injury occurring.  If your child is alert, moves normally and is able to respond, the head injury is probably mild and typically will heal.  If this is the case with your child and they are tired it’s OK to let them sleep. If worrisome signs develop later and you are worried, then bring them immedicately to your doctor or emergency facility.

Bring your child immediately for emergency help if you suspect a head injury and they are exhibiting the following signs:

• vomiting
• continued persistance of a headache
• changes in behavior displaying irritability
• changes in physical coordination, including stumbling or clumsiness
• confusion: does no’t know day,events etc…
• slurred speech
• dilated or uneven pupils
• difficulty breathing
• lasting or recurrent dizziness
• discharge from nose or ears
• large head bumps or bruises
• loss of consciousness ( more than a minute)
• repeated vomiting
• seizures
• symptoms that worsen over time

Concussions and sports injury
If you have injured yourself and suspect you have a head injury , you should absolutely allow yourself to rest. Avoid playing sports or vigorous activity while signs or symptoms of a concussion are present. It is recommended that people who suspect they have a concussion should return to their sporting activity until a doctor has given them the “green light”.

—-The Ottawa Injury Lawyer Blog is written regularly by Ottawa Ontario personal injury lawyer David Hollingsworth. The Ottawa Injury Lawyer Blog reports on accidents in eastern Ontario, personal injury issues, local Ottawa news and events and various news that relates to Ottawa, accidents and personal injury. Visit  www.ottawainjury.ca for more information. If you have a subject  you would like to know about or  if you have a question,  please call or email me: david@ottawainjury.ca (613) 978-9549

Signs of a concussion, symptoms of a concussion, head injury signs