Concussion symptoms can be subtle — and that is what makes them dangerous. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that changes how the brain functions. You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Recognizing concussion symptoms quickly and getting evaluated promptly can prevent complications and speed recovery. At CityHealth Urgent Care, we evaluate head injuries every day and can help you determine whether you need emergency care or a structured recovery plan.
Common Concussion Symptoms to Recognize
Concussion symptoms affect thinking, physical function, sleep, and emotional regulation. They may appear immediately after a head injury or develop hours later. Common concussion symptoms include:
Physical symptoms:
- Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
- Fatigue or low energy
Cognitive symptoms:
- Feeling mentally foggy or slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems — including not remembering the injury itself
- Confusion or feeling dazed
- Slower reaction time
Emotional and sleep symptoms:
- Irritability or mood changes
- Feeling more emotional than usual
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Difficulty falling asleep
According to the CDC, most people recover fully from a concussion within 7–10 days, though children and teens may take longer. Adults with certain risk factors — including prior concussions — may also take more time to recover.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for Concussion Symptoms
Not all concussion symptoms require emergency care — but some are serious warning signs that demand an immediate ER visit. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone else has any of these signs after a head injury:
- Loss of consciousness — even briefly (especially if prolonged)
- One pupil larger than the other
- Extreme drowsiness — cannot be awakened
- Repeated vomiting — more than once after the injury
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Worsening headache that does not go away or gets progressively worse
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Clear fluid from the nose or ears (may indicate a skull fracture)
- Visible skull deformity
- The injured person is an infant or very young child
These signs may indicate a more serious brain injury — such as an intracranial bleed — that requires CT imaging and emergency intervention.
When Urgent Care Is Right for Concussion Symptoms
If the head injury does not involve any of the ER red flags above, CityHealth Urgent Care is well-equipped to evaluate and manage concussion symptoms. Visit us when:
- The person is awake and alert but has headache, dizziness, or cognitive fog after a blow to the head
- Concussion symptoms appeared gradually after the injury
- Symptoms are mild to moderate and not worsening rapidly
- You want clearance before returning to sports, school, or work
- Symptoms have lasted more than a few days and you need guidance on recovery
Our providers use validated concussion assessment tools, evaluate neurological status, and create a personalized return-to-activity plan for you or your child. We also coordinate referrals to neurology or sports medicine when needed.
Concussion Symptoms in Children vs. Adults
Children often express concussion symptoms differently than adults. Parents should watch for these signs in children after a head injury:
- Appearing dazed or stunned
- Moving clumsily
- Answering questions slowly
- Crying more than usual or unusual irritability
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
- Sensitivity to light or noise that was not there before
Infants and toddlers cannot describe their symptoms. Any fall involving a head injury in a child under 2 should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Young athletes are especially vulnerable — their brains are still developing, and concussions can have longer-lasting effects if not managed correctly.
What Causes a Concussion?
Concussions occur when a force causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. This movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage brain cells. Common causes include:
- Contact sports (football, hockey, soccer, basketball, wrestling)
- Falls — the most common cause in children under 4 and adults over 65
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Being struck by or colliding with another person or object
- Physical assault
You do not need to hit your head directly to get a concussion. A violent shaking of the upper body — such as in a car crash — can cause the brain to move and produce concussion symptoms.
Post-Concussion Protocol: How to Recover Safely
Recovery from a concussion requires physical and cognitive rest, followed by a gradual return to normal activities. Rushing this process increases the risk of post-concussion syndrome — prolonged symptoms lasting weeks or months.
The standard post-concussion protocol:
- Immediate rest (first 24–48 hours): Rest physically and mentally. Avoid screens, reading, and any activity that worsens your concussion symptoms.
- Light activity (Day 2–3): Short walks, light household tasks. Stop immediately if symptoms return or worsen.
- Aerobic exercise (Day 3–5): Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling at low intensity. No resistance training or head-impact activities.
- Sport-specific exercise: Running drills, skating — no contact or collision.
- Non-contact training drills: More complex drills with no head impact risk.
- Full clearance: Return to competition only after medical clearance and no symptoms.
Each step should take at least 24 hours. If concussion symptoms return during any step, go back to the previous stage and rest for another 24 hours before trying again.
When Concussion Symptoms Last Too Long
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) affects an estimated 10–20% of people who sustain a concussion. It is diagnosed when concussion symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window (3+ weeks in adults, 4+ weeks in children).
PCS symptoms include persistent headache, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Treatment includes a structured return-to-activity plan, physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and in some cases medication for specific symptoms.
If your concussion symptoms are not improving as expected, the team at CityHealth can refer you to the appropriate specialist — neurologist, physical therapist, or neuropsychologist — for comprehensive post-concussion care.
Can You Sleep After a Concussion?
The old advice to keep someone with a concussion awake all night is largely outdated. According to current guidelines, it is generally safe for someone with a concussion to sleep — rest is actually an important part of recovery. However, if the person shows any of the ER warning signs above, they need evaluation before sleeping.
A good rule: if there are no red-flag symptoms, sleep is fine. But check on the person every few hours in the first night. If they cannot be roused easily or show new symptoms, seek emergency care.
CityHealth Urgent Care: Your Concussion Evaluation Partner
At CityHealth Urgent Care in Oakland and San Leandro, we are experienced in evaluating head injuries and managing concussion recovery. Walk in after a head injury and we will:
- Conduct a thorough neurological exam
- Use standardized concussion assessment tools
- Determine whether imaging is needed and arrange referrals
- Provide a written recovery plan and return-to-play clearance
No appointment needed — we are here seven days a week. For concussion symptoms that seem minor, do not wait to be seen. Early evaluation and proper management make a meaningful difference in how quickly and completely you recover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Symptoms
Do I need a CT scan for concussion symptoms?
Not always. CT scans are not routine for mild concussion. Your provider will decide based on your specific symptoms, the mechanism of injury, and your neurological exam. CT scans are more likely if you lost consciousness, have a worsening headache, or there is concern about a bleed.
Can you have a concussion without hitting your head?
Yes. Any violent movement of the head and neck can cause the brain to move enough to cause a concussion — no direct blow required.
How many concussions is too many?
Repeated concussions are cumulative. Each subsequent concussion may be more severe and may increase the risk of long-term brain problems. Athletes with multiple concussions should be evaluated by a sports medicine physician before returning to contact sports.
If you or someone in your family has been hit in the head and is showing concussion symptoms, do not wait. Walk in to CityHealth Urgent Care for a thorough evaluation and a clear path forward.
