Concussion Symptoms: When a Head Bump Needs a Visit or the ER
Most bumps on the head are minor. Here's how to spot a concussion, the warning signs that mean the ER, and what the first days of recovery should look like.
A concussion is a mild brain injury from a blow to the head or a hard jolt to the body. Common signs are headache, feeling foggy or slowed down, dizziness, nausea, and trouble with balance, memory or concentration. You don't have to be knocked out to have one. Anyone with concussion symptoms should be checked, and some warning signs, like repeated vomiting or a worsening headache, mean the ER right away.
Common concussion symptoms
Symptoms can start right away or show up over the next day or two:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Feeling foggy, slowed down or "not right"
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurry vision
- Trouble concentrating or remembering what happened
- Irritability, sadness or being more emotional than usual
- Sleeping more or less than usual
Concussion symptoms in kids
Young children can't always say what's wrong. Watch for crying that won't settle, changes in eating or sleeping, losing interest in favorite toys, unsteady walking, or losing new skills like toilet training.
Common causes in Colorado
Falls are the most common cause at any age. Here, ski and snowboard falls, bike crashes, sports collisions and slips on ice add to the list. A helmet lowers the risk of a serious head injury, but it doesn't prevent every concussion.
What happens at a visit
A clinician asks how the injury happened and checks your memory, balance, coordination, vision and reflexes. Most concussions are diagnosed with that exam, not a scan. If anything suggests bleeding or a more serious injury, you'll be sent for a CT scan at an emergency department.
Recovering from a concussion
- Rest for the first day or two, then slowly return to normal activities as symptoms allow
- Cut back on screens, reading and schoolwork if they bring on symptoms
- Avoid alcohol
- Stay out of sports and anything that risks another head injury until a clinician clears you
- Use acetaminophen for headache unless you've been told otherwise
Most people feel better within a couple of weeks. Symptoms that last longer deserve a follow-up.
When to get seen
Get checked the same day after any head injury with symptoms, and for any head injury in a young child or an older adult, especially someone on a blood thinner. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our minor injury care page and the cost and insurance page.
Go to the ER or call 911 if someone was knocked out, has a headache that gets worse, vomits more than once, has a seizure, is very drowsy or hard to wake, has slurred speech, weakness or numbness, one pupil larger than the other, clear fluid from the nose or ears, or is confused or agitated. Go straight to the ER for any head injury in someone on a blood thinner.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.