What should I do first if I suspect I've had a concussion?
If a concussion or brain injury is suspected, stop what you are doing and notify the first available medical professional (e.g., school nurse or athletic trainer) and your physician. If participating in athletics, also notify your coach. Go to your local Emergency Department (ED) or be seen or advised otherwise by your primary care physician right away. Once you have had initial medical evaluation and been diagnosed with a concussion, or if you believe you have had a concussion and have had medical evaluation to rule out more serious concerns, contact a neuropsychologist or other health care provider who specializes in concussion management for ongoing co-management of your injury with your primary care provider. You should call your physician or go to the ED, if after that initial medical evaluation, you or your child has any of the following:
- Headache becomes very severe or worsens a lot with no changes in activity
- Seizures
- Very drowsy and hard to wake up
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Increased confusion
- Cannot recognize people or places
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Unusual behavior change
- Increasing irritability (for no apparent reason)
- Loss of consciousness