Concussion vs. bump on the head: When should you see a doctor?
If you’ve ever bumped your head, your first worry may be that you have a concussion. Depending on how you’ve hit your head, the symptoms could look the same.
What qualifies as a concussion?
A concussion happens when a hit to your head or body causes temporary changes in your brain’s metabolism, chemical balance and how it uses energy. It can also involve a short-term loss of normal brain function.
“In order for a concussion to occur, the impact needs to be strong enough to send vibratory forces through the body to the brain,” says Dr. Kate Essad, a neurologist at Aurora Health Care. “Most hits to the head aren’t strong enough to cause a concussion, but they can still be painful.”
Concussion symptoms can start right away or develop over time, sometimes weeks or months after your injury. Here are some common signs of a concussion:
- Headache or neck pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Feeling dazed or having difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light and noise
When should you see a doctor for a head injury?
“There’s never a wrong time to seek medical care for a head injury or bump on the head,” says Essad. “Many people experience neurological symptoms with minor hits to the head, most commonly from whiplash, migraines or migraine-like symptoms.”
Most concussion symptoms resolve within 7 to 10 days, but some people are at risk for prolonged symptoms.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below as they are not consistent with normal concussion symptoms:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Decreased coordination or slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Struggling to stay awake
- Loss of consciousness
- Symptoms that haven’t improved after two weeks
“While we know more than we ever have about concussions, we still have a lot to learn,” says Dr. Essad. “The best approach when it comes to brain health and head trauma is to seek advice and evaluation from verified sources.”
Are you trying to find a doctor? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.
Related Posts
Comments
About the Author
health enews contributor, is on the digital content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. They received their bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and French from Ohio Wesleyan University. Outside of work, they are a writer and comedian and can be found in the mountains during their free time.
