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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion: your guide to recovery
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What is a concussion? 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. You don’t have to lose consciousness or “get knocked out” to have a concussion, but many times people will feel dazed or confused for a short amount of time.

A concussion can affect how the brain works. After a concussion, you might think, act, move or feel differently.

Common causes of a concussion are:

  • Car, motorcycle or bicycle accidents
  • Falls
  • Sports
  • Fights/assault

What are the common symptoms?

You may have symptoms after you have a concussion. These symptoms can start right away or days after the injury. Some people may have only a few symptoms and others may have more.

View concussion symptoms

Thinking/cognitive symptoms

  • Forgetfulness, poor memory
  • Difficulty concentrating, short attention span
  • Feeling “in a fog” or “dazed”
  • Taking longer to think
  • Difficulty finding words

Physical symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or light headedness
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Balance problems
  • Sensitivity to bright light or noise
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Problems hearing
  • Fatigue, low energy, tiring more easily
  • Feeling slowed down

Emotional symptoms

  • Feeling more emotional, sad, nervous, worried or “stressed out”
  • Feeling irritable, angry or frustrated
  • Feeling overall “not yourself”

Sleep-related symptoms

  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Drowsiness
  • Problems falling asleep
  • Problems staying asleep