Vestibular Issues:
The Signs & Symptoms
It is critical to recognize signs when they happen and it is just as critical to continue to monitor for symptoms for several days and even a week after signs present themselves.
When to See a Doctor
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia), and confusion. Amnesia, which may or may not follow a loss of consciousness, usually involves the loss of memory of the event that caused the concussion.
See a doctor within 1 to 2 days if:
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You or your child experiences a head injury, even if emergency care isn't required
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you call your child's doctor for advice if your child receives anything more than a light bump on the head.
If your child doesn't have signs of a serious head injury, and if your child remains alert, moves normally, and responds to you, the injury is probably mild and usually doesn't need further testing. In this case, if your child wants to nap, it's OK to let him or her sleep. If worrisome signs develop later, seek emergency care.
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Seek emergency care for an adult or child who experiences a head injury and symptoms such as:
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Repeated vomiting
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A loss of consciousness lasting longer than 30 seconds
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A headache that gets worse over time
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Changes in his or her behavior, such as irritability
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Changes in physical coordination, such as stumbling or clumsiness
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Confusion or disorientation, such as difficulty recognizing people or places
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Slurred speech or other changes in speech
Other symptoms include:
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Seizures
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Vision or eye disturbances, such as pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes
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Lasting or recurrent dizziness
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Obvious difficulty with mental function or physical coordination
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Symptoms that worsen over time
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Large head bumps or bruises on areas other than the forehead in children, especially in infants under 12 months of age