Concussion Symptoms
Concussion Symptoms and When to See a Specialist in Westchester, NY
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or a jolt that briefly disrupts how the brain works. You do not have to lose consciousness to have one. Knowing the signs — in yourself or your child — helps you decide when to watch, when to seek emergency care, and when to see a specialist.
Common concussion symptoms
Concussion symptoms fall into a few groups. Adults and children may notice any combination of these, and a child too young to describe how they feel may simply seem off, cry more than usual, or lose interest in favorite activities.
Physical.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, sensitivity to light or sound, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Thinking.
Brain fog or feeling slowed down, and trouble concentrating or remembering.
Mood.
Irritability, sadness, or feeling more nervous than usual.
Sleep.
Sleeping more or less than usual, or trouble falling asleep.
Symptoms can begin right away or develop over the hours and days after an injury.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, loss of consciousness, weakness or numbness or trouble with coordination, slurred speech, unusual confusion, or difficulty waking up.
When to see a concussion specialist
Consider a specialist when symptoms last beyond a week or two, interfere with work, school, or sport, include persistent dizziness or neck pain, or return when you try to resume activity.
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Many people recover within a few weeks. A meaningful number have symptoms that last longer, and those can be addressed with a focused plan. Learn about post-concussion syndrome care.
Explore our full concussion program, read about concussion after a car accident, or learn about telehealth concussion care.
Explore the concussion program
The full concussion program.
Concussion & brain injury carePersistent post-concussion symptoms.
Post-concussion syndrome careAthletes and return to play.
Sports concussion & return to playChildren, teenagers, and their parents.
Youth & pediatric concussion careRecent injury or accident.
Concussion after a car accidentCare from home.
Telehealth concussion careConcussion symptom questions.
Is it a concussion or just a headache?
A headache can be one symptom of a concussion, especially after a blow or jolt to the head or body. An evaluation can help tell the difference and identify what is driving the symptom.
Do you have to lose consciousness to have a concussion?
No. Most concussions happen without any loss of consciousness.
Can concussion symptoms be delayed?
Yes. Symptoms can appear hours or days after the injury.
When should symptoms prompt a visit to a specialist?
When they persist beyond a week or two, interfere with daily life, or return with activity.
Where are you located?
Concussion care is offered at both of our offices: 244 Westchester Avenue, Suite 209, West Harrison, NY 10604, and 1985 Crompond Road, Suite B2, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567, serving White Plains and Westchester County. Call (914) 948-3008.
Visit us in Westchester
West Harrison
244 Westchester Avenue, Suite 209
West Harrison, NY 10604
Cortlandt Manor
1985 Crompond Road, Suite B2
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
Phone: (914) 948-3008 · Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Take the next step toward recovery.
Share a few details and our team will reach out within one business day. For urgent matters, call (914) 948-3008.
This page is general health information, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor–patient relationship. If you think you or your child may have a serious head or brain injury, seek emergency care or call 911.