Cobblestone Medicine and Rehab Concussion/mTBI Program
Recognition of the signs and symptoms is crucial when diagnosing a concussion. Symptoms can vary from physical dysfunctions to mental disturbances, emotional and sleep changes. These symptoms will vary from patient to patient. It is essential to be assessed by an experienced Cobblestone-trained health professional.
Signs may include:
- Dazed
- Confusion
- Reduced memory,
- “Unsureness”
- Clumsiness
- Slowly answers questions
- Possible loss of consciousness
- Slower behaviour.
Danger Signs
Symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Seeing stars or lights
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue/lethargy
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleeping more than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Feeling “slowed down”
- Feeling “in a fog” or “dazed”
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering
Red Flags- Get Medical Help ASAP
1. Progressive worsening headache
2. Worsening vomiting and nausea
3. Unequal dilated pupils
4. Decline in mental status
5. Deteriorated sleep habits
For Children Under the Age of 2:
Risk Factors Include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe mechanism of injury
- Severe or worsening headache
- Amnesia
- Nonfrontal scalp hematoma
- Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 15
- Clinical suspicion for skull fracture
Injured Athletes
Injured athletes can exhibit many or just a few of the signs and/or symptoms of concussion. However, if an athlete exhibits any signs or symptoms of concussion, the responsibility is simple: remove them from participation. “When in doubt sit them out.” It is important to notify a parent or guardian when an athlete is thought to have a concussion. Any athlete with a concussion must be seen by an appropriate health care provider before returning to practice (including dryland/weight lifting) or competition.