Recognising a concussion — Health, 14–17 years
How a hit or sudden movement can temporarily disturb brain function, and what to do when signs appear after sport or an accident.
A brain function disturbance
A concussion is a brain-function disturbance after a hit, fall or sudden movement, even when there is no loss of consciousness. Signs may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unusual tiredness, blurred vision or trouble remembering. Symptoms can appear immediately or later, so the person needs watching and proper advice.
Why stopping matters
The problem is that continuing sport or driving while the brain is affected can cause another injury before recovery. A second impact may be more dangerous, and symptoms can become harder to interpret. Stopping removes extra risk and gives a health professional a clearer picture of what happened.
After a football collision
A player collides, feels dizzy and cannot remember the last play. Step 1: stop the game and tell the coach; do not let the player return that day. Step 2: keep them with a responsible adult and seek medical advice. Step 3: get urgent help for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, weakness, unusual behaviour or difficulty waking.
The knockout myth
A common mistake is to rule out concussion because the person never fainted, or to let them play on because they say they are fine. This is reasonable because dramatic signs are easier to notice than changes in thinking or balance. A concussion can happen without fainting, and symptoms may be delayed or minimised.
Safety after impact
This matters in sport, cycling, skating, road accidents and falls at home. Knowing the signs helps a friend stop safely, tell an adult and avoid being left alone when symptoms are concerning. Recovery plans should come from a healthcare professional; returning to activity too quickly is not proof of toughness.
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