Did I Have a Concussion? 4 Steps Towards a More Confident Diagnosis

There’s no such thing as “just a little concussion.”

Every brain injury matters — even the ones that seem mild at first. I’ve seen countless people brush off a momentary daze or a “bell ringer,” only to struggle weeks later with headaches, brain fog, and fatigue that don’t go away.

Your brain doesn’t have to be “knocked out” to be injured. Sometimes all it takes is one sharp jolt, one awkward whiplash, or one hit that leaves you feeling slightly off.
And here’s what most people don’t realize: waiting to see if it “gets better on its own” is the worst move.
The sooner you recognize a concussion, the faster and more completely your brain can heal.

This guide walks you through the same reasoning process a concussion-trained clinician would use — in plain language.

If you answer “yes” to Step 1 and “yes” to either Step 2 or Step 3, and “no” to Step 4, then you should assume you’ve had a concussion until proven otherwise.

Step 1 — Was there an event that could have injured your brain?

Think about what happened:

• Did something hit your head, face, or neck?
• Did your body whip or spin suddenly — like in a fall, sports collision, or car crash?
• Were you jolted hard enough to feel dizzy, disoriented, or “stunned”?

These are all examples of forces that can cause the brain to shift inside the skull.

➡️ If YES — go to Step 2.
➡️ If NO — a concussion is unlikely, though other injuries (like neck strain or vestibular irritation) can still mimic some symptoms.

Step 2 — Did your brain “go offline” for a moment?

Immediately after the incident, did you notice (or did anyone see) any of the following?

• You blacked out, even briefly.
• You felt dazed, confused, or slow to react.
• You couldn’t remember what happened right before or after the event.
• You acted unlike yourself — spacey, emotional, or unsteady.

Any of these mean your brain function was disrupted — the hallmark of concussion.

➡️ If YES — skip ahead to Step 4.
➡️ If NO — move to Step 3.

Step 3 — Did new symptoms develop within 72 hours?

Sometimes the signs take hours or even a day to show up.
A concussion can cause symptoms that weren’t there before, or make existing issues worse — for example, turning a mild tension headache into constant pressure, or making occasional dizziness suddenly more frequent.

Look for symptoms that appeared for the first time or intensified noticeably within the first few days after the event:

• Headache or pressure in your head
• Nausea, dizziness, or imbalance
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurry or double vision
• Fatigue, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
• Irritability, sadness, anxiety, or sleep disruption

➡️ If two or more of these symptoms were new or clearly worse after the injury — go to Step 4.
➡️ If no change or improvement — a concussion is less likely, but continue monitoring for delayed symptoms.

Step 4 — Could something else explain what happened?

Before assuming concussion, rule out common confounders:

• Were you under the influence of alcohol or medication that could affect memory or balance?
• Were you in severe pain or shock that could explain feeling dazed?
• Were you sleep-deprived, dehydrated, or ill before the event?

If one of these factors can fully explain what you experienced, a concussion is less certain.
If not — it’s time to take your symptoms seriously.

➡️ If NO other explanation fits → proceed to the conclusion below.
➡️ If YES, something else clearly explains it → concussion less likely, but medical evaluation is still recommended.

If you said "YES" to Step 1, and "YES" to Step 2 or 3, and "NO" to Step 4…

Then a concussion is very likely.
Until proven otherwise by a concussion-trained professional, assume you’ve had a concussion.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Protect your brain. Rest for the next 24–48 hours, avoiding high-risk activity or impact.
2. Learn more about concussion.
3. Take preventative measures.
4. Monitor for worsening symptoms. Go to the ER immediately if you develop:
   • Repeated vomiting
   • Severe or increasing headache
   • Trouble speaking, walking, or waking up
   • Seizures, unequal pupils, or drainage from the ears/nose
5. Get evaluated by a concussion-trained provider. Not all urgent care centers or primary-care offices have the right tools. Look for clinicians who specialize in neurology, sports medicine, functional neurology, or vestibular rehabilitation — professionals trained to assess eye movements, balance, cognition, and autonomic function after brain injury.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can find qualified providers through specialty concussion networks or directories of concussion-trained clinicians, such as those affiliated with the Carrick Institute.

The Bottom Line

If you experienced an event that could jolt your brain, and afterward you were dazed, confused, had memory gaps, or developed new symptoms — and there’s no other clear explanation —

You should assume you’ve had a concussion until proven otherwise.

Your brain doesn’t get do-overs, but it does recover best with early recognition and the right care.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect a concussion, assume one occurred and consult a healthcare provider trained in concussion evaluation and management before returning to normal activity.