Quick Answer
Concussion symptoms typically fall into four categories: physical (headache, nausea, dizziness), cognitive (difficulty concentrating, memory problems), emotional (irritability, sadness), and sleep-related (trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual). Symptoms usually appear within hours of the injury but can sometimes emerge days later.
The Four Categories of Symptoms
1. Physical Symptoms
These are often the most noticeable and commonly include:
- Headache or pressure in the head (most common symptom)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or problems with balance
- Vision problems - blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
- Feeling "foggy" or "not right"
- Fatigue or low energy
2. Cognitive Symptoms
Changes in how your brain processes information:
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention
- Memory problems - especially difficulty remembering events before or after the injury
- Feeling mentally "slowed down"
- Confusion or difficulty understanding information
- Problems with decision-making
- Delayed responses to questions
3. Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
Changes in mood and behavior that may include:
- Irritability - feeling easily frustrated or annoyed
- Sadness or feeling more emotional than usual
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Mood swings - emotions changing quickly
- Personality changes noticed by family or friends
4. Sleep Disturbances
Sleep patterns often change after a concussion:
- Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)
- Sleeping more than usual (hypersomnia)
- Sleeping less than usual
- Daytime drowsiness despite adequate sleep
- Changes in sleep quality
Important Things to Know
Symptoms Can Evolve
- Most symptoms appear within 24-48 hours of injury
- Some symptoms may not show up for several days
- Symptoms often fluctuate and can be affected by what you're doing or the environment you're in
Everyone is Different
The number, type, and severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people might experience only a few symptoms, while others have many. There is no "typical" concussion presentation.
Delayed Symptom Onset
It's crucial to monitor for symptoms over the first 24-48 hours after a suspected concussion, even if you feel fine immediately after the injury. This is why "when in doubt, sit it out" is such important advice in sports.
Red Flag Symptoms - Seek Emergency Care
Some symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention (call 911 or go to the ER):
- Worsening headache that doesn't improve with rest
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness for more than a brief moment
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Slurred speech
- Significant drowsiness or can't be awakened
- One pupil larger than the other
- Unusual behavior or increased confusion
- Severe neck pain
Symptom Tracking
Keeping track of your symptoms helps healthcare providers:
- Monitor your progress
- Adjust your recovery plan
- Identify triggers that worsen symptoms
- Determine when you're ready to progress
Many clinicians use standardized symptom checklists like the SCAT6 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) or the Concussion Clinical Profiles Screen to track changes over time.
Key Takeaways
- Concussion symptoms fall into four main categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related
- Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed by hours or days
- Not everyone experiences the same symptoms - each concussion is unique
- Symptoms typically resolve within days to weeks with proper care
- Red flag symptoms require immediate emergency attention
- Tracking symptoms helps guide recovery
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider trained in concussion management if:
- You suspect you have a concussion
- Symptoms are not improving after 48-72 hours of rest
- Symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life
- You're unsure whether it's safe to return to activities
Professional assessment available: Book with our team at Shift Concussion Management in Guelph, Ontario for comprehensive concussion evaluation and personalized recovery planning, or locate a trained Shift Provider near you.
Related Resources:
Article authored by Kailin Walter, DC, Director of Program Development at Shift Concussion Management. Last updated January 2025.
