Concussion is a trauma-induced change in mental status, with confusion and amnesia, and with or without a brief loss of consciousness.

There's no such thing as a minor concussion that you simply shake off. Although not usually life-threatening, concussions can have serious effects. Most people with mild injuries recover fully, but the healing process takes time.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not immediately appear. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer.

Your behavior, mental ability and physical skills all are linked to specific areas of the brain. The severity and side effects of a head injury depend greatly on which area of the brain was most affected.

Immediate signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Confusion

• Amnesia

• Headache

• Loss of consciousness after injury

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Drowsiness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Unequal pupil size

• Convulsions

• Unusual eye movements

• Slurred speech

• Depression

• fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea

• Tinnitus

• vomiting

Delayed signs and symptoms may include:

• Irritability

• Headaches

• Depression

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue

• Personality changes

• Poor concentration

• Trouble with memory

• Getting lost or becoming easily confused

• Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights and distractions

• Loss of sense of taste or smell

• Difficulty with gait or in coordinating use of limbs

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms after suffering head trauma, see your doctor.

• Depression

• fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea

• Tinnitus

• vomiting

Concussion > next > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4