Heads Up! Recognize These Vital Signs of a Concussion 

August 14, 2025 | Tags: Wellness

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Have you ever hit your head hard enough to “see stars”? If so, you’ve likely suffered head trauma, which can cause a concussion and should always be handled with immediate care, especially with young children. 

Signs of a concussion can look different for everyone and may not show up right away. Knowing how to spot a concussion can keep you and others safe from potentially dangerous complications. 

What is a concussion? 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by some kind of impact – a bump, hit or jolt – to your head or body that causes your brain and head to move rapidly back and forth. This kind of damage can affect your: 

• Physical body 
• Cognitive function  
• Mood or behavior 
• Sleep 

What can cause a concussion? 

Sustaining a concussion can happen to anyone. The most common causes come from: 

• Falls. 
• Motor vehicle or bicycle accidents. 
• Physical violence, such as a fight. 
• High-risk sports like American football, boxing, hockey or soccer. 

Experts report that motor vehicles are the leading cause of TBIs for teens and young adults between 15 and 24 years old, followed by sports accidents. Almost 300,000 sports-related TBIs occur annually in the United States, most of which are concussions. 

For children, falls are the most common cause of a concussion, and children who experience more than one concussion can face chronic health conditions later. Teens also have a high risk of concussion, likely due to their bodies and brains still developing, resulting in poor coordination. 

Know these concussion symptoms  

How a concussion feels differs from person to person. You might feel dazed or have a sense that something is “off.” Concussion symptoms might take hours or even days to show up. Closely monitor if you develop any of the following: 

• Blurred vision.  
• Slurred speech. 
• Nausea or vomiting. 
• Concentration issues. 
• Sensitivity to light and noise. 
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Irritability or being more emotional. 
• Headache or pressure in your head. 

Concussion symptoms in children   

Signs of a concussion can be harder to recognize in children, especially infants and toddlers, because they can’t verbalize how they feel. Some clues that indicate a concussion include: 

• Vomiting.
• Excessive crying or fussing. 
• Appearing dazed or listless.
• Change in eating or sleeping patterns. 
• Lack of interest or engagement in favorite toys or activities. 
• Irritability and crankiness, even with the usual amount of sleep. 

For kids and adolescents, verify their healthcare professional is trained in evaluating and managing pediatric concussions. 

Ways to stay safe 

Consider ways to protect yourself and others from accidents that can cause a concussion, like falls, or health factors that can affect your balance: 

• Wear proper safety equipment: Helmets for high-risk sports and activities like bicycling, skateboarding or riding a scooter significantly reduce head injuries. Know how to properly fit and wear a helmet, and replace it after a crash, even if damage isn’t visible.
• Implement playground safety: Determine if equipment is right for your child’s age. Check for soft materials like mulch or sand under play areas, guardrails to help prevent falls and objects that can trip your child, like tree stumps or rocks.
• Improve your balance: Incorporate exercises that can help your mobility and reduce your fall risk. MedMutual Advantage members have access to SilverSneakers®, a wellness program that offers virtual and in-person stability and balance classes at thousands of fitness locations or virtually at no added cost. To find a participating fitness center near you, visit SilverSneakers.com.
• Check medication side effects: Symptoms like sleepiness, dizziness or confusion can contribute to a higher risk of falls. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you have concerns.
• Declutter your living space: Remove obstacles like exposed cords, rolled-up carpets, scattered boxes or other miscellaneous items that can be tripping hazards.

If you suspect you or your child might have a concussion 

See a healthcare professional within one to two days of a head injury, even if emergency care isn’t initially required. Seek emergency care immediately if you, your child or someone you know experiences a head injury with any of the following symptoms:  

• Seizures. 
• Repeated vomiting.  
• One pupil is larger than the other. 
• Fluid discharge or bleeding from the eyes or ears. 
• Loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds. 
• Severe confusion, like not recognizing people or places. 

If you don't have a primary care provider, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card. 

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