Immediate Care
If you suspect a concussion
"A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a "mild" brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious." Center For Disease Control
If you suspect a concussion you should be seen by a medical practitioner, see our section on Treatments. Scroll down to see a list of concussion symptoms and tools that can help you check for symptoms.
It's essential to determine if the injury could be more serious, and if 911 needs to be called or if a trip to the Emergency Room is needed. Scroll down for more information about symptoms that may indicate a need to go to the emergency room.
"Red Flag" symptoms that are cause for concern and possibly a trip to the emergency room
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you have danger signs
Danger signs in adults:
A constant severe headache that gets worse
Sudden severe vomiting or nausea
Fainting or blacking out or if people can’t wake you up
Very drowsy
Seizures or convulsions
Cannot recognize people or places
Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation
Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
Slurred speech, trouble talking, or not making sense
Fluid or bleeding from the ear or nose
Unusual or strange behavior
Have one pupil larger than the other (brainline.org)
Danger signs in children:
Any of the adult danger signs
Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled
Will not nurse or eat
The Information above is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ConcussionOntario.org
Click to download
Concussion symptoms
From the Centers for Disease Control
Concussion quick check tools from The American Academy of Neurology
Concussion Checklist
Use this quick guide to evaluate if some may have a concussion and needs to see a licensed healthcare provider.
Concussion Quick Check for Apple
Download the app on your Apple device to help evaluate if someone may have a concussion and needs to see a neurologist.
Concussion Quick Check for Android
Download the app on your Android device to help evaluate if someone may have a concussion and needs to see a neurologist.
Rest for 24-48 hours and then gradually become more active
We recommend the INESS document, which gives detailed instructions of what to do in the first 24-48 hours, and then how to gradually resume physical and intellectual activities.
Also, see our article Guidelines for Recovery, which goes over the recommended recovery options step by step. See our Medication article about over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, for pain relief, and melatonin, which has been shown to support recovery from concussions. There is some research indicating that CBD may help in the acute (early) stages of concussion, meaning that CBD may help limit the neurometabolic damage of a concussion; see our article on CBD and Cannabis Research.