Delayed Concussion Symptoms
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and victims of concussions can experience many types of symptoms, depending on where the damage occurred in the brain. If you do not receive a proper diagnosis and treatment for a concussion, serious complications can arise. For example, if you receive a second concussion before your first concussion heals, you can experience second-impact syndrome, which can even be deadly.
Unfortunately, many people fail to receive a diagnosis because the symptoms of a concussion are not always readily apparent. In fact, many concussion symptoms are delayed for several hours or even days after the injury occurs. It is important to stay aware of the possible delayed symptoms of a concussion and seek medical treatment as soon as you notice anything unusual.
Possible Delayed Symptoms
Some concussion symptoms are more likely to arise soon after the injury, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Pressure in your head
- Disorientation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
There are many other symptoms that may be delayed longer, such as:
- Problems with memory
- Lack of concentration and focus
- Difficulty with cognitive processing, such as following basic instructions
- Disruption of your usual sleep patterns, including sleeping less or more
- Increased sensitivity to noise or light
- Slurred speech and difficulty finding the right words to use
- Trouble with vision, hearing, taste, and smell
- Irritability, mood swings, and loss of temper
- Psychological issues, including anxiety and depression
Many people mistake these delayed symptoms for stress, fatigue, and other effects of car crashes or other accidents. In reality, they are missing out on the treatment they need for a serious concussion.
Delayed Symptoms in Children
If your child hits their head and loses consciousness or seems disoriented right away, it can be obvious they need to be checked for a concussion. However, even if these obvious signs are not immediately apparent, you should still keep watching for delayed symptoms. In children, watch for the following:
- Seeming dazed and not paying attention to surroundings
- Excessive and unusual crying
- Restlessness
- Unusual fatigue or lack of energy
- Walking unsteadily or losing their balance
- Crankiness and irritability for no reason
- Changes in usual sleeping or eating patterns
- Lack of interest in activities or toys
If you know your child fell or was in a vehicle accident, you should take them to the doctor if you notice anything that may be a delayed concussion symptom.
When Symptoms might Arise
Always look for possible delayed symptoms after you or your child hit your head in an accident. However, it is important to remember that you do not have to sustain a direct trauma to the head to sustain a concussion. A concussion can also result from a sharp jolt of the body, as your brain may rattle and may hit the inside of the skull, causing a concussion.
If you believe that there is any chance you or your child might have a concussion, always refrain from any activities that put you at risk for a subsequent injury, as you may have delayed symptoms. This is especially important for young athletes, as they may not have symptoms of a concussion right away, though they should still refrain from playing until they are fully cleared by a physician.