Signs & Symptoms

A concussion results in four kinds of symptoms: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related.  An athlete who demonstrates any of the following signs or symptoms following a direct or indirect blow to the head, should not return to play until evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Physical symptoms include headache, dizziness, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, numbness & tingling, and fatigue.

Cognitive symptoms include feeling mentally foggy, feeling slowed down, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty remembering events before or after the injury.

Emotional symptoms consist of irritability, sadness, feeling more emotional than usual, and nervousness.

Sleep-related symptoms are drowsiness, sleeping more or less than usual, and trouble falling asleep.