How to Tell If a Person Has a Concussion
Check for consciousness., Analyze their mental state., Determine their mental awareness., Examine their physical state., Check the victim's eyes., Analyze their exhaustion levels., Look for changes in their emotional state.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check for consciousness.
Although loss of consciousness is an easy indication of a concussion, it is not always requisite.
Look to see if the person is responsive and can be roused with conversation.
If they are unconscious, check their airways, breathing, and circulation to make sure they are all at normal levels. -
Step 2: Analyze their mental state.
If the victim is conscious, you can proceed to this analysis immediately.
If they are unconscious, then you will have to wait until they regain consciousness.
Someone who has suffered a concussion will exhibit:
A difficult time concentrating Foggy thoughts Loss of memory Difficulty forming new memories A feeling of slowness. , If they seem to be acting strangely and are exhibiting the above symptoms of an altered mental state, ask a few questions to determine the extent of their incapacitation.
Try asking general questions such as “what is your name?” and “what day is it?” If they are able to respond promptly and correctly to these, try asking a few more difficult memory-based questions. , Ask them how they feel; sufferers of a concussion often have:
Nausea or vomiting Strong headaches Heightened sensitivity to light and sound Problems with their balance. , If you have a flashlight, shine the light into their eyes.
Do their eyes focus on the light and the pupils react correctly? The pupils of the eyes focused completely on light should constrict (grow smaller).
If there is no response or they have irregular eye movements, suspect a head injury, stroke, or serious ailment. , Suffering from a concussion typically disrupts a person’s regular sleep schedule and their exhaustion levels.
Check to see if the victim is:
Very tired and requires more sleep than usual Has difficulty falling asleep and insomnia Sleeps much less than usual Highly lethargic or more exhausted during the day than normal , Sufferers of a concussion will exhibit:
Strange changes in their emotional state High levels of anger, fear, sadness, or anxiety.
Mood swings and generally unstable emotions. -
Step 3: Determine their mental awareness.
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Step 4: Examine their physical state.
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Step 5: Check the victim's eyes.
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Step 6: Analyze their exhaustion levels.
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Step 7: Look for changes in their emotional state.
Detailed Guide
Although loss of consciousness is an easy indication of a concussion, it is not always requisite.
Look to see if the person is responsive and can be roused with conversation.
If they are unconscious, check their airways, breathing, and circulation to make sure they are all at normal levels.
If the victim is conscious, you can proceed to this analysis immediately.
If they are unconscious, then you will have to wait until they regain consciousness.
Someone who has suffered a concussion will exhibit:
A difficult time concentrating Foggy thoughts Loss of memory Difficulty forming new memories A feeling of slowness. , If they seem to be acting strangely and are exhibiting the above symptoms of an altered mental state, ask a few questions to determine the extent of their incapacitation.
Try asking general questions such as “what is your name?” and “what day is it?” If they are able to respond promptly and correctly to these, try asking a few more difficult memory-based questions. , Ask them how they feel; sufferers of a concussion often have:
Nausea or vomiting Strong headaches Heightened sensitivity to light and sound Problems with their balance. , If you have a flashlight, shine the light into their eyes.
Do their eyes focus on the light and the pupils react correctly? The pupils of the eyes focused completely on light should constrict (grow smaller).
If there is no response or they have irregular eye movements, suspect a head injury, stroke, or serious ailment. , Suffering from a concussion typically disrupts a person’s regular sleep schedule and their exhaustion levels.
Check to see if the victim is:
Very tired and requires more sleep than usual Has difficulty falling asleep and insomnia Sleeps much less than usual Highly lethargic or more exhausted during the day than normal , Sufferers of a concussion will exhibit:
Strange changes in their emotional state High levels of anger, fear, sadness, or anxiety.
Mood swings and generally unstable emotions.
About the Author
Donald Gonzalez
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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