A sports head injury needs a concussion evaluation when you notice headache, dizziness, confusion, memory trouble, balance problems, or a change in how the athlete acts. The athlete doesn’t need to pass out, and symptoms may not show up until hours or days after the hit.
Concussions Aren’t Always Obvious
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can happen after a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move quickly inside the skull. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most people with concussions never lose consciousness.
An athlete might stand up, answer questions, and say they’re fine, even if they have a concussion. Keep an eye out for changes after the play, since passing out isn’t the only sign.
What Symptoms Can Appear After the Hit?
The CDC’s HEADS UP program says concussion symptoms may appear right away or take hours or days to be noticed. Watch for:
- headache, dizziness, nausea, or balance trouble;
- sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, or unusual fatigue;
- feeling foggy, slowed down, confused, or unable to concentrate;
- irritability, emotional changes, or sleep problems.
Concussion symptoms can affect school, work, driving, and everyday conversations, even if someone seems fine.
When Is a Head Injury an Emergency?
Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency department if someone has a seizure, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, one pupil larger than the other, increasing confusion, or trouble waking up after a head injury. These signs may mean a more serious brain injury.
A suspected concussion without emergency signs still deserves medical evaluation. Continuing to play creates another chance for a hit before the brain has recovered.
Why Should an Athlete Leave the Game After Head Injury?
Getting back in the game too soon can raise the risk of another concussion and make recovery take longer. The AAOS recommends that young athletes with concussions get checked and cleared by a medical provider before returning to sports.
There isn’t one return-to-play date that fits everyone. Symptoms, previous concussions, neurological findings, and response to gradual activity help shape the timeline.
What Does a TBI Evaluation Check?
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, a traumatic brain injury evaluation checks thinking, memory, coordination, motor skills, and reflexes. Your provider may order a CT or MRI if the exam or symptoms suggest a more serious injury, but even normal imaging doesn’t rule out a concussion.
Dr. Jeffrey Lee is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, and traumatic brain injury. He also completed fellowship training in traumatic brain injury medicine.
FAQs
Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes. Most people with concussions never pass out. If you notice new symptoms after a hit to the head or body, it’s important to get them checked.
Can an athlete return when the headache is gone?
Not automatically. A provider should consider the full symptom picture and guide a gradual return to activity before sports clearance.
Get a Suspected Sports Concussion Evaluated
If you or an athlete in your household develops concussion symptoms after a hit, stop play and arrange an evaluation with Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians. For seizures, repeated vomiting, worsening confusion, trouble waking up, or other danger signs, call 911 or go to an emergency department instead.
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