Aconcussionis a form oftraumatic brain injury(TBI) that occurs after a blow or jolt to the head.

Infants and children can present with different signs and symptoms also.

Signs and symptoms generally appear soon after the injury.

Symptoms of a Concussion - Illustration by Michela Buttignol

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

Because of this, parents should be aware of signs that their baby or toddler may have a concussion.

Complications

A complication that could occur following a concussion is second-impact syndrome.

It arises if a second concussion occurs before the first one fully heals.

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Second-impact syndrome can lead to fatal brain swelling.

The risk of this complication is much higher in those who play sports, such as football or boxing.

This is why its vital to always fully recover from a concussion prior to returning to normal activities.

The signs observed by others and the symptoms experienced by the person with the concussion may be different.

You may notice symptoms immediately following the injury or a few hours or even days afterward.

A Word From Verywell

Hitting your head or falling can be scary.

Sometimes it causes no injuries other thana bumpor bruise.

At other times, it can be very serious.

Its always best to get any head injury looked at by a healthcare provider.

A concussion is a serious condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Getting adequate treatment soon after a concussion reduces the risk of complications and helps prevent prolonged symptoms.

If the force of the jolt is powerful enough, it can lead to a concussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes.

Although pupil dilation isnt always a reliable sign of a concussion, it can occur in some people.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Concussion signs and symptoms.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Concussion.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about concussion and brain injury.

Michigan University Health.Concussion Facts: 8 Common Misconceptions about Concussions.