Health Expert
Stephanie Ramirez, MA, CCC-SLP, CDCS
Speech-Language Pathologist
Learn more at nkch.org/PT.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily affects brain function. Though concussions are usually associated with sports, falls are the most common cause of them.
People of all ages can experience a concussion, especially children under the age of 1 and adults over the age of 75. People 75 and older account for over 30% of concussions and traumatic brain injury hospitalizations. While most concussions are mild, some can be more severe and cause long-lasting damage.
Signs of a Concussion
Most people who experience a concussion feel better within a few days, but for some people, symptoms can last weeks or even months.
Signs of a concussion may not appear until hours or days after the injury occurs and may include some of these signs:
- Changes in behavior
- Clumsiness
- Disorientation and confusion
- Eye pain and/or eye fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Headaches
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble sleeping
When to Seek Medical Attention
Many people avoid seeking medical attention following an injury like this, but all concussions are serious and should be treated by a healthcare provider. If you or someone you know experiences a concussion, contact your primary care provider, who can refer you to our expert rehabilitation staff so you can get back to living your life.
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