Concussion
Concussion is a type of brain injury that can result from a direct hit to the head or a force that shakes the neck and head. Most often students鈥� concussions do not result from athletic participation but rather everyday activities. You do not need to lose consciousness to develop a concussion. The diagnosis of concussion is based on the history of an event, the patient鈥檚 symptoms, and their physical exam. There is no imaging or specific test that can show a concussion. Symptoms are the result of the brain not being able to function at its typical speed or maximum capacity. People experience various symptoms that begin immediately, or hours or days after injury.
A concussion may result in symptoms that fall into four main categories:
- Migraine-like symptoms (headache, nausea, light and/or noise sensitivity)
- Cognitive symptoms (confusion, memory problems, concentration problems, impaired processing speed)
- Emotional symptoms (feeling down or depressed, anxious, irritable or tearful)
- Vestibular symptoms (balance problems, dizziness)
Health Services can assist students with diagnosis, symptom management, and connecting with other supports on campus. If you are concerned about a concussion, please schedule an appointment.
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