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.
1How are you feeling right now compared to when the injury first happened?
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How are you feeling right now compared to when the injury first happened?
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Why this works
Helps track recovery progress and identify if symptoms are improving, staying the same, or getting worse.
2Are you experiencing any headaches, and if so, how would you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10?
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Are you experiencing any headaches, and if so, how would you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10?
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Why this works
Headaches are a key concussion symptom that needs monitoring for severity and frequency changes.
3Do you feel dizzy or nauseous when you move your head or change positions?
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Do you feel dizzy or nauseous when you move your head or change positions?
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Why this works
These symptoms can indicate ongoing brain injury and may require immediate medical attention if they worsen.
4How is your memory and concentration? Are you having trouble focusing on tasks?
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How is your memory and concentration? Are you having trouble focusing on tasks?
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Why this works
Cognitive symptoms are common with concussions and can affect daily functioning and safety.
5Are you sensitive to light or sound right now?
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Are you sensitive to light or sound right now?
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Why this works
Sensory sensitivity is a common concussion symptom that can indicate the severity of brain injury.
6How well are you sleeping? Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
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How well are you sleeping? Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
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Why this works
Sleep disturbances are common after concussions and can affect recovery, but changes in sleep patterns can also indicate worsening condition.
7Have you noticed any changes in your mood or emotional state?
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Have you noticed any changes in your mood or emotional state?
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Why this works
Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or depression, are common after concussions and need monitoring.
8Are you able to read or look at screens without discomfort?
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Are you able to read or look at screens without discomfort?
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Why this works
Visual strain can worsen concussion symptoms and may indicate the need for reduced screen time or different activities.
9How is your balance? Do you feel steady when walking or standing?
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How is your balance? Do you feel steady when walking or standing?
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Why this works
Balance problems can indicate ongoing brain injury and pose safety risks for falls or further injury.
10Are you experiencing any ringing in your ears or changes in hearing?
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Are you experiencing any ringing in your ears or changes in hearing?
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Why this works
Auditory symptoms can indicate the extent of brain injury and may require specialized medical attention.
11Have you had any seizures or episodes where you lost consciousness since the injury?
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Have you had any seizures or episodes where you lost consciousness since the injury?
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Why this works
These are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention and may indicate more severe brain injury.
12How is your appetite? Are you eating normally?
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How is your appetite? Are you eating normally?
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Why this works
Changes in appetite can indicate concussion severity and may affect recovery and overall health.
13Are you able to perform your normal daily activities without making them worse?
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Are you able to perform your normal daily activities without making them worse?
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Why this works
Functional capacity is a key indicator of recovery progress and helps determine appropriate activity levels.
14Have you noticed any changes in your speech or ability to find the right words?
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Have you noticed any changes in your speech or ability to find the right words?
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Why this works
Language difficulties can indicate brain injury severity and may require speech therapy or other interventions.
15Are you experiencing any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs?
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Are you experiencing any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs?
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Why this works
Neurological symptoms like these can indicate more serious brain or spinal cord injury requiring immediate medical attention.
16How is your coordination? Are you having trouble with fine motor tasks?
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How is your coordination? Are you having trouble with fine motor tasks?
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Why this works
Motor coordination problems can indicate brain injury severity and affect daily functioning and safety.
17Are you feeling confused or disoriented about time, place, or people?
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Are you feeling confused or disoriented about time, place, or people?
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Why this works
Disorientation can indicate serious brain injury and may require immediate medical evaluation.
18Have you been able to return to work, school, or other responsibilities?
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Have you been able to return to work, school, or other responsibilities?
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Why this works
Return to normal activities is a key indicator of recovery progress and helps determine appropriate accommodations needed.
19Are you taking any medications for the concussion, and how are they affecting you?
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Are you taking any medications for the concussion, and how are they affecting you?
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Why this works
Medication effects need monitoring to ensure they're helping without causing additional problems or masking important symptoms.
20What does your doctor say about your recovery timeline and when you can return to normal activities?
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What does your doctor say about your recovery timeline and when you can return to normal activities?
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Why this works
Medical guidance is essential for concussion recovery, and understanding the expected timeline helps with planning and expectations.
Best Practices for Concussion Support
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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
The Safety Assessment Sequence
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.