From car accidents to sports injuries, concussions can result from all sorts of circumstances. Also known as traumatic brain injuries, concussions impact the brain and change the way it functions. While they range in severity, understanding the signs of this specific injury is critical to preserving wellness in children, teens, and adults. To help shed light on the condition, the team from the Mayer Clinic in Fairbanks, AK, is here with some helpful information.

Next time you or a loved one experiences a head injury, consult this list of concussion symptoms to determine the proper level of care:

• Aching/Pressure: Any head injury will cause some level of pain, but ongoing pressure or aching should be addressed by a physician.
• Loss of Consciousness: Seeking prompt medical attention is always warranted after someone becomes unconscious. Loss of consciousness tends to happen with more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Nausea/Vomiting: If you feel nauseous after injuring your head, take note. Nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms on this list can occur even days after the injury, so make a point to visit a doctor if you experience them.  
• Dizziness: Imbalance, dizziness, and the sensation of “seeing stars” all point to a traumatic brain injury. Sensitivity to light should also be noted.
• Confusion: When an injured person seems confused, forgetful, or doesn’t know where they are following a head injury, get them medical attention right away.

• Fatigue: Some concussion sufferers become immediately sleepy after the injury. For others, an increased level of tiredness occurs as many as 21 days after the incident, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (upmc.com).
• Ear Ringing: A high-pitched ringing in the ear has also been reported by individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries.

Concussions are serious, but unfortunately they’re also quite common. The Brain Injury Research Institute (BIRI) estimates between 1.6 and 3.8 million instances occur each year, which is why it’s so important to understand their warning signs. If you suspect you or a loved one has sustained this type of injury, call the team at the Mayer Clinic at (907) 457-5050, or visit your nearest hospital during non-office hours for emergencies. You can also learn more about the practice, including their brain disease treatment and women’s health services, by visiting their website or liking them on Facebook.