Q
Question Vault

Concussion Questions to Ask

Concussion Questions to Ask

Essential questions to ask when someone has suffered a concussion, helping you understand their condition, monitor recovery, and provide appropriate support.

1

How are you feeling right now compared to when the injury first happened?

Helps track recovery progress and identify if symptoms are improving, staying the same, or getting worse.

2

Are you experiencing any headaches, and if so, how would you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10?

Headaches are a key concussion symptom that needs monitoring for severity and frequency changes.

3

Do you feel dizzy or nauseous when you move your head or change positions?

These symptoms can indicate ongoing brain injury and may require immediate medical attention if they worsen.

4

How is your memory and concentration? Are you having trouble focusing on tasks?

Cognitive symptoms are common with concussions and can affect daily functioning and safety.

5

Are you sensitive to light or sound right now?

Sensory sensitivity is a common concussion symptom that can indicate the severity of brain injury.

6

How well are you sleeping? Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

Sleep disturbances are common after concussions and can affect recovery, but changes in sleep patterns can also indicate worsening condition.

7

Have you noticed any changes in your mood or emotional state?

Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or depression, are common after concussions and need monitoring.

8

Are you able to read or look at screens without discomfort?

Visual strain can worsen concussion symptoms and may indicate the need for reduced screen time or different activities.

9

How is your balance? Do you feel steady when walking or standing?

Balance problems can indicate ongoing brain injury and pose safety risks for falls or further injury.

10

Are you experiencing any ringing in your ears or changes in hearing?

Auditory symptoms can indicate the extent of brain injury and may require specialized medical attention.

11

Have you had any seizures or episodes where you lost consciousness since the injury?

These are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention and may indicate more severe brain injury.

12

How is your appetite? Are you eating normally?

Changes in appetite can indicate concussion severity and may affect recovery and overall health.

13

Are you able to perform your normal daily activities without making them worse?

Functional capacity is a key indicator of recovery progress and helps determine appropriate activity levels.

14

Have you noticed any changes in your speech or ability to find the right words?

Language difficulties can indicate brain injury severity and may require speech therapy or other interventions.

15

Are you experiencing any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs?

Neurological symptoms like these can indicate more serious brain or spinal cord injury requiring immediate medical attention.

16

How is your coordination? Are you having trouble with fine motor tasks?

Motor coordination problems can indicate brain injury severity and affect daily functioning and safety.

17

Are you feeling confused or disoriented about time, place, or people?

Disorientation can indicate serious brain injury and may require immediate medical evaluation.

18

Have you been able to return to work, school, or other responsibilities?

Return to normal activities is a key indicator of recovery progress and helps determine appropriate accommodations needed.

19

Are you taking any medications for the concussion, and how are they affecting you?

Medication effects need monitoring to ensure they're helping without causing additional problems or masking important symptoms.

20

What does your doctor say about your recovery timeline and when you can return to normal activities?

Medical guidance is essential for concussion recovery, and understanding the expected timeline helps with planning and expectations.

Want to learn more?

Best Practices for Concussion Support

Best Practices

Monitor Symptoms Closely

Track changes in symptoms over time, as worsening symptoms may indicate complications requiring immediate medical attention.

Encourage Rest and Gradual Return

Support proper rest and gradual return to activities as recommended by medical professionals to prevent re-injury.

Be Patient and Understanding

Recovery from concussion can be unpredictable and varies greatly between individuals. Show patience and avoid pushing too hard.

Question Sequences

The Daily Check-in Sequence

1
How are you feeling compared to yesterday?
2
Are you experiencing any headaches?
3
How is your concentration and memory?
4
Are you able to perform daily activities?

The Safety Assessment Sequence

1
Are you feeling dizzy or nauseous?
2
How is your balance and coordination?
3
Are you experiencing any numbness or weakness?
4
Have you had any episodes of confusion?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Minimize Symptoms

Never dismiss or downplay concussion symptoms. Even mild symptoms can indicate serious brain injury requiring medical attention.

Don't Rush Recovery

Avoid pushing for quick return to normal activities. Rushing recovery can worsen symptoms and delay healing.

Don't Ignore Warning Signs

Seek immediate medical attention for severe headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, or worsening symptoms.

Conversation Templates

The Daily Check-in

1
Step 1: Start with: "How are you feeling today compared to yesterday?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "Are you experiencing any headaches or dizziness?"
3
Step 3: Conclude with: "Are you able to do your normal activities?"

The Safety Assessment

1
Step 1: Begin with: "Are you feeling steady and balanced?"
2
Step 2: Check with: "Any numbness, weakness, or coordination problems?"
3
Step 3: End with: "Do you feel confused or disoriented?"

Further Reading

"Concussion" by Jeanne Marie Laskas
"The Concussion Crisis" by Linda Carroll
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Concussion Information
All CategoriesMore in Special Contexts