How do you tell if you have a concussion?

Question

When I fall of my horse, I get a headache but I think it's from the stress of the fall and not because I got a concussion. It does not come until about 5-10 minutes later. Does this sound like a concussion to you? I have no dizziness or anything, just a long headache.

Answer 1

It doesn't sound like a concussion to me. A doctor would probably be the best person to see if you suspect you have received a concussion. If you don't think you need to go to the doctor but would like to see if you do have a concussion try having someone use a flashlight and see if your eyes dilate. Have them put the light over your eye for a few seconds then have them quickly move it away to see if your pupils react normally to the light (make sure you aren't in a bright room). Also a lot of the time when a person gets a concussion the will become nauseous and often throw-up. Although nausea isn't a symptom the I usually get it is very common.

If you are that concerned during the night when you are sleeping have someone wake you up a few times during the night to make sure you are okay. Ask your PCP about these headaches.

Good luck

Answer 2

These are the usual signs I look for in a concussion:
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about questions being asked
Forgets tasks
Is unsure of things
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can't recall events prior to hit
Can't recall events after hit
Complains of major headaches
Has dialated pupils