Concussion symptoms can affect how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and sleeps. Some symptoms appear immediately after an injury, while others may take hours to develop.

Physical Symptoms

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling tired or low on energy

Thinking and Memory Symptoms

• Confusion or appearing dazed
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower thinking or responding
• Trouble remembering events before or after the hit
• Feeling mentally foggy

Emotional Symptoms

• Irritability
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Sadness
• Mood changes that seem unusual

Sleep-Related Symptoms

• Sleeping more than usual
• Sleeping less than usual
• Difficulty falling asleep

What Parents Should Watch For

Athletes often want to keep playing and may minimize their symptoms. Pay attention to what you observe, not just what your child says. If something feels off after a significant hit, remove them from play and continue monitoring them over the next 24 to 48 hours.