A head injury can happen anytime and you may not realize if you’ve been hit on the head or if it’s something serious happening to your brain. Therefore, it’s important to know when to go to the ER for concussions, since the internal brain damage, which is not always apparent, can rapidly become life-threatening.
It is very important to recognize the concussion symptoms that require ER visit, such as the patient being unconscious or experiencing incessant vomiting. The first step in preventing long-term effects of cognitive impairment is to be able to notice the problem.
What’s the Difference in Concussion vs. Mild Head Injury?
It is common to confuse the terms “concussion” and “head injury”, but there is a difference clinically if you’re someone taking the initiative to take action.
Concussion vs Mild Head Injury
Usually a mild head injury means slight damage like a little bump (goose egg), a tiny cut on the scalp or a short headache that goes away in no time. However, the word ‘concussion’ is used to describe a functional injury caused by an abrupt external trauma that results in the brain moving within the skull.
- Neurological signs are the primary differences when comparing a concussion vs mild head injury.
- If a brain impact causes a chemical alteration or occupation of brain cells, then you are dealing with a situation where knowing when to go to the ER for concussions becomes a priority.
You Don’t Need a Direct Hit
Not all concussions have to be struck directly on the head.
- A violent shake of the body or a “whiplash” action could also force the brain to move against the inner side of the skull.
- The internal trauma can be very serious, even if there is no open bruise or bleeding.
- Therefore, it is very important to check for concussion symptoms that require an ER visit even when there is little external damage.
Red Flag Symptoms When to Go to the ER
The majority of concussions are treatable at home with rest and observation. However, there are certain “red flag” symptoms which indicate brain bleeding or swelling. These severe head injury warning signs necessitate going to the emergency department:
Throwing Up Over and Over
Increased pressure in the skull is one of the most apparent symptoms after a concussion, marked by vomiting. The injured person may vomit afterward and this could be followed by repeated and violent vomiting, meaning there is some stress on the brain. Thus, when the condition doesn’t stabilize, it is a definite indicator of when to go to the ER for concussions.
Brain-Related Warning Signs
Our brain is the organ that allows us to absorb information and all other functions of our body. If these functions are not working, the injury is likely to be quite serious. Go to the emergency room if you notice:
Confusion and Memory Loss Concussion
The victim is unable to remember what happened, asks the same questions over and over or cannot identify even close acquaintances.
Dizziness and Balance Problems
Difficulty walking or room seems to spin quickly.
Slurred Speech
The person has trouble articulating or there is an abrupt change in his/her speaking tone.
Seizures
Any twitching or jerking that occurs beyond the point of the impact.
When to Go to the ER for Concussions: A Quick Checklist
When in doubt if an injury requires an emergency visit use the following bulleted list to assess the situation: If any of these symptoms is present, please go to the nearest ER immediately.
Loss of Consciousness
Even if it only lasted for a few seconds, “blacking out” should be regarded among the reasons for when to go to the ER for concussions.
Worsening Headache
A headache that gets significantly worse over time and does not subside after a rest.
Unequal Pupils
If one pupil seems larger than the other (anisocoria) it is a sign of brain pressure.
Extreme Drowsiness
If you are unable to awaken the person or if they appear abnormally drowsy.
Weakness or Numbness
Slowed coordination or “pins and needles” in arms and legs.
Aggressive Behavior
Unusual irritability, combativeness or drastic personality changes after the bump.
What Happens at the ER
Once you’ve decided when to go to the ER for concussions, the first thing that the medical staff will do is look for any life-threatening problems like bleeding in the brain or a broken skull.
Scans and Observation
Doctors may recommend a CT scan in the ER.
- The main purpose of these imaging techniques is to detect by-products of a trauma, like a hematoma.
- It should be noted that a typical concussion does not show up on a CT.
- The scan is just performed to rule out more severe head injury warning signs.
Symptom Severity Table
| Symptom Category | Mild (Monitor at Home) | Severe (Go to the ER) |
| Cognition | Slight “foggy” feeling. | Confusion and memory loss concussion. |
| Physical | Mild headache, one-time nausea. | Vomiting after concussion, seizures. |
| Motor Skills | Slight clumsiness. | Dizziness and balance problems, weakness. |
| Sensory | Sensitivity to light/noise. | Double vision, unequal pupils. |
Extra Care for Kids and Older Adults
One of the factors to consider is the age of the person when to go to the ER for concussions. The youngest and oldest people in our families must be more closely monitored.
Pediatric Head Trauma
Most of the time the children are able to communicate their feelings. For example, if a toddler becomes so distressed that they no longer nurses or eats or doesn’t play with favorite toys, this is a sign of distress. The skulls are still growing; each of these falls should be an opportunity for the doctor to look for signs of severe head injury.
Seniors and Blood Thinners
Minor traumas may result in a slow brain bleed among older people, especially those taking anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners). Hence, the concussion symptoms may not be visible for several hours or even days in such people. It is extremely significant when it comes to whether or not to take an elderly individual to the ER for concussion symptoms, since the risk of a “silent” hematoma is much greater.
Conclusion
Knowing when to visit an emergency room for a concussion can make a major difference in recovery and long-term brain health. While some head injuries may seem minor at first, symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, confusion, vomiting or neurological changes should never be ignored.
Getting evaluated quickly at RapidCare Emergency Room can help identify serious complications early and support a safer recovery process. If you or a loved one is experiencing concussion symptoms, you can check in now for immediate emergency evaluation and treatment.
Why Choose Rapid Care Emergency Room?
At RapidCare Emergency Room, patients receive 24/7 emergency care with advanced diagnostic services, on-site digital imaging, fast lab testing, trauma support and pediatric emergency services.
Our board-certified ER physicians deliver hospital-level treatment without the long wait times commonly experienced elsewhere.
With ER locations near you in Spring, Katy and Missouri City Sugar Land, RapidCare Emergency Room provides convenient access to emergency concussion care whenever it’s needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I know if I need to go to the ER for a concussion?
Seek ER attention immediately for loss of consciousness, recurrent vomiting, severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or a seizure following a head injury. These are symptoms of a severe brain injury.
Q2. Can a concussion be diagnosed without a CT scan?
Yes. A concussion is NOT a structural injury; it will not show up on a CT scan. The scans are mostly performed to exclude the possibility of other more serious problems such as skull fractures or brain bleeding.
Q3. What does the ER do for concussions?
Your symptoms will be assessed by the ER, then neurological tests are performed and a CT scan may be ordered. They are treated for brain bleeding, pain relief and instructions given to them to recover safely at home.
Q4. When should I visit an emergency department for a head injury?
Seek the ER’s attention right away if the head injury leaves the person unconscious, dazed, with unequal pupils, a worsening headache or weakness in the arms or legs. Don’t allow a problem to worsen.
Q5. What diagnostic tests are typically performed at an ER for a concussion?
The doctor at the ER will do a neurological exam and may order a CT scan to rule out bleeding or swelling in the brain. Oxygen and blood pressure are also measured during the evaluation.