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