Concussions are considered a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), often resulting from a blow to the head, a fall, or any situation causing the brain and central nervous system to shake within the skull. Understanding how to check for concussion at home is critical, especially when immediate medical care isn’t accessible.
This article aims to help you identify common concussion symptoms, provide a simple and fast way to evaluate the severity and determine when to seek professional medical attention.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain or body experiences a sudden jolt, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. While often classified as a “mild” traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussions can have serious consequences if not appropriately addressed.
Unfortunately, we see many cases in our clinic at The Neural Connection where injuries that were minor in nature end up becoming major disabilities over time when not appropriately treated.
It’s a tricky situation, as post-concussion symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours, days, and even weeks after the initial injury.
How to Check for Concussion at Home – Signs and Symptoms
When evaluating someone for a concussion at home, we suggest to look for these common signs:
Physical Symptoms
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Large pupil(s) that don’t respond to light
- Bruising over the injured site(s)
Cognitive Symptoms
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss (especially about the event causing the injury)
- Feeling mentally foggy or slow
- Altered cognitive processing
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Emotional instability
Sleep-Related Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Lack of energy, even after a full night of rest
Your Step-by-Step Guide for How to Check for Concussion at Home
Step 1 – Assess the Circumstances of the Injury
Start by gathering information about how the injury occurred. Questions to ask:
- What happened before and after the injury?
- Was there a direct hit to the head?
- Was the person knocked out or did they lose consciousness?
- Did they experience whiplash or a sudden jolt to the body?
- Who was there to witness the injury?
If the individual loses consciousness, even briefly, it’s considered a red flag that requires immediate medical attention. Imaging may not always be needed for an injury like this, but it will often be discussed and determined by the medical provider you see.
Step 2 – Look for Immediate Symptoms
Observe the person closely for the first few minutes after the injury:
- Do they appear dazed or confused?
- Are they having trouble walking or keeping their balance?
- Do they complain of a headache or dizziness?
- Is there any bleeding or bruising due to the injury?
- How has their presentation changed compared to before the injury?
Even subtle changes in behavior or physical coordination can be indicative of a concussion. Once again, assessing and documenting the changes after an injury can be essential in making decisions on the next steps for care and treatment.
Step 3 – Conduct a Cognitive Assessment
Ask the individual simple questions to test their cognitive function:
- What day is it today?
- Where are you right now?
- Can you count backward from 20?
- Do you remember how the injury happened?
- Who is the president?
Difficulty answering these questions can signal impaired brain function. Understanding the individual’s cognitive function before the injury is vital to compare to a baseline assessment. As you ask these questions, take note of the fluency of their speech, what their eyes are doing, and how they process information.
Step 4 – Perform a Vision Test
Check the person’s vision to identify any disturbances:
- Ask them to follow your finger or an object with their eyes while moving up and down.
- Look for signs of blurred vision or trouble focusing.
- Check for unequal pupil sizes, which could indicate a more severe brain injury.
- Assess their ability to follow your finger toward and away from their nose.
- See if they can move their eyes back and forth between your thumbs as you hold them up next to your cheeks.
This basic overview is a simple and modified version of the SCAT5 test, which also looks at balance, memory, and visual integrity. The eyes are a window into brain function, so by assessing this system, you can gather more information that isn’t as subjective as memory and mood.
Step 5 – Monitor for Delayed Symptoms
Sometimes, concussion symptoms don’t manifest immediately. Continue observing the individual for the next 24–48 hours, watching for:
- Persistent headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue
- Emotional instability
- Changes in digestion or hunger pangs
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Alterations in speech and speaking
If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly. A medical doctor’s opinion will always be the best course of action, so don’t hesitate to seek their advice. It’s better to be safe than sorry in situations like this.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Although it’s possible to manage mild concussions at home, certain red flags warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room:
- Repeated vomiting or severe nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Difficulty waking up or extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech or difficulty communicating
- Drooping of the face or lower facial quadrant
Children, adolescents, and older adults are especially vulnerable to complications, so err on the side of caution when dealing with these populations. It’s vital to consider any previous injuries or head trauma, as that can magnify symptoms with newer injuries present.
How to Check for Concussion at Home – Managing Recovery and Treatment
If a concussion is confirmed and does not require hospitalization, we suggest following these steps for at-home care:
1. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
It’s best to encourage the injured individual to rest, both physically and mentally. We also suggest avoiding activities that require cognitive concentration, such as reading, using electronic devices, or driving. It’s best to avoid screens as much as possible, as this can alter sleep patterns and be too stimulating for a fragile nervous system.
2. Monitor Symptoms
Keep a journal to track symptoms and changes over time. If needed, note any improvements or new developments and share this information with a healthcare provider. If you’re a parent or guardian, take note of changes in behavioral and mental processes that your child may be unaware of.
3. Create a Calm Environment
Reduce exposure to bright lights, loud noises, and busy environments to minimize discomfort. In the first few weeks after an injury, the less environmental stimulation, the better. This is a great way to gauge progress over time.
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Provide plenty of fluids (with electrolytes) and a balanced diet to support the healing process. Specific foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, eggs, fish, etc.) can dampen inflammation and promote recovery. There are a multitude of ways to provide adequate nutrition to someone after a concussion, which can make a significant difference in their healing and recovery.
5. Gradual Return to Activities
As symptoms improve, reintroduce daily activities gradually, ensuring they don’t exacerbate symptoms. The latest research suggests engaging in low-grade cardiovascular exercise in gradual increments using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test parameters to improve healing times.
Physical activity is one of the most efficient ways to improve healing, optimize blood flow, and stimulate the brain in healthy doses.
Concussion Myths – Separating Fact from Fiction
Misconceptions about concussions can lead to inadequate care and prolonged symptoms. Let’s debunk a few common myths to ensure you don’t get caught in outdated thinking and logic.
Myth 1 – You Need to Lose Partial or Complete Consciousness to Have a Concussion
Fact: Most concussions do not involve loss of consciousness, and even less involve a direct hit to the head or neck. Concussions often occur after a sudden jolt to the head, neck, or body, resulting in trauma to the nervous system.
Myth 2 – A CT Scan or MRI Can Always Detect a Concussion
Fact: Concussions don’t always show up on imaging tests, as these focus on structural injuries rather than functional ones. It’s rare to have imaging show signs of a concussion, and when it does, it’s often a more severe version of a traumatic brain injury. Imaging is great for ruling out major injuries, brain bleeds, tumors, and underlying issues; It’s very poor at diagnosing a concussion.
Myth 3 – Rest Alone is Enough to Heal a Concussion
Fact: While rest is crucial, a well-rounded recovery plan often includes gradual physical activity, mental exercises, and professional guidance. Rest is a key factor for recovery, which is why supporting sleep is key for improvement over time. Too much rest can be negative, as the brain requires stimulation and physical movement for activation and growth.
FAQs About Checking for Concussion at Home
Can I check for a concussion without medical training?
Yes, you can look for signs and symptoms of a concussion using the steps outlined in this guide. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis. We never suggest replacing a medical opinion with something you’ve read online.
How soon after an injury should I check for a concussion?
You should check for symptoms immediately after the injury and continue monitoring for 24–72 hours, as additional symptoms can occur over time. As we stated, it’s best to document these changes over time so you don’t forget the outcomes and timeline.
Can children and adults have different concussion symptoms?
Yes. Children may display symptoms such as excessive crying, refusal to eat, or changes in their sleeping patterns. Adults will often follow the pattern we’ve laid out in this blog. As a parent, you will know best as to the emotional and behavioral changes that occur in your child.
Is it safe to let someone with a concussion sleep?
Contrary to popular belief, it is generally safe to let someone with a concussion sleep, provided they show no severe symptoms such as difficulty waking up or confusion. If they are experiencing any of the previously listed red flags, like vomiting or experiencing seizures, then you should immediately rush them to the ER for assessment and analysis.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Recovery varies from person to person but typically takes several days to weeks. Sadly, severe concussions may require months of rehabilitation. We commonly see patients who are dealing with symptoms many months or even years after their original injuries. It’s imperative to seek treatment immediately to ensure this doesn’t happen to you or your loved ones.
Should I keep someone awake after a head injury?
No, keeping someone awake is unnecessary unless they exhibit signs of a severe injury. Let them rest, but check on them periodically. Once again, if they’re experiencing red flags, immediately seek medical attention.
Now You Know How to Check for Concussion at Home – What’s Next?
As you’ve seen, knowing how to check for concussion at home can help you identify symptoms early and take appropriate action.
While you can manage minor concussions at home with rest and care, you should always prioritize safety by seeking medical advice when in doubt. Quick intervention can prevent complications and ensure a smoother recovery.
At The Neural Connection, we’ve built a national reputation for helping people recover from chronic post-concussion symptoms. By looking at you structurally, neurologically, and nutritionally, we can develop a personalized treatment plan specifically designed for you.
If you’re still struggling with post-concussion symptoms, we’re always a consultation away from helping!
Click here for a FREE 30-Minute Consultation
*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
