Concussion

Symptoms:

• loss of consciousness after a blow to the head
• amnesia of events surrounding the injury

Emergency signs:

• persistent unconsciousness (coma)
• altered level of consciousness (drowsy, hard to arouse, or similar changes)
• persistent confusion
• convulsions
• repeated vomiting
• unequal pupils
• unusual eye movements
• muscle weakness on one or both sides
• gait or walking abnormalities

Signs and tests:

A neurological examination will show abnormalities.

Tests that may be performed include:

• head CT
• MRI of the head

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial