Signs of a Concussion: When to Visit ER or Urgent Care

Signs of a Concussion When to Visit ER or Urgent Care1 iCare ER & Urgent Care

Fall sports season brings excitement, competition—and unfortunately, an increase in head injuries and concussions. Football, soccer, and cheerleading are fun, but even a small bump or collision can cause a concussion, which is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

A concussion happens when a blow to the head—or even a hard hit to the body—causes the brain to move quickly inside the skull. This motion can bruise or stretch brain cells, leading to short-term problems like headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory loss. These are known as signs of a concussion.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2.87 million traumatic brain injury–related ER visits, hospital stays, and deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2014. (Source: CDC/AANS)

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney, our dual-service facilities are designed to handle any level of head injury—from mild concussions to more serious trauma. Our ER can stabilize critical patients and, if necessary, arrange a safe hospital transfer for ongoing care.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a temporary brain injury that changes how the brain functions. It can happen from:

  • A direct hit to the head

  • A fall or collision during sports

  • A car accident or sudden jolt

The brain doesn’t have to be hit directly to be injured. Sudden movement alone can cause the brain to bounce or twist, disrupting normal function.

Most concussions are mild, but every head injury should be taken seriously. Early evaluation can prevent long-term issues and speed recovery.

Concussion Warning Signs

Recognizing the warning signs of a concussion is the first step to getting proper treatment. Symptoms can start immediately or appear hours—or even days—after an injury.

Common concussion signs include:

  • Headache or pressure in the head

  • Dizziness or loss of balance

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Sensitivity to light or noise

  • Trouble focusing or remembering

  • Feeling tired, foggy, or “off”

  • Irritability or mood swings

If symptoms worsen or new ones appear, visit urgent care or the ER as soon as possible for a concussion diagnosis.

image of young boy sitting on ground outside,, holding is head demonstrating one of the key signs of a concussion

Infant and Pediatric Concussion Signs

Kids are more likely to experience concussions because their brains and neck muscles are still developing.

For children and teens, look for:

  • Headache, dizziness, or confusion

  • Slower thinking or reaction times

  • Mood changes or unusual tiredness

  • Decline in school performance or focus

Infant concussion signs can be harder to notice. Watch for:

  • Excessive crying or irritability

  • Changes in sleep or feeding

  • Loss of interest in toys or playtime

  • Trouble staying awake or balancing

If you suspect a concussion in a baby, child, or teen, don’t wait—get checked at your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Carelocation.

Risks of Ignoring a Concussion

Untreated concussions can lead to serious and long-term problems. Even mild injuries can become more dangerous if ignored.

Possible concussion effects include:

  • Longer recovery time

  • Trouble concentrating or remembering

  • Persistent headaches or dizziness

  • Second-impact syndrome, when another concussion happens before the first one heals—this can cause brain swelling and permanent damage

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), athletes who experience one concussion are four to six times more likely to have another. The CDC also reports about 1.5 deaths each year from sports-related concussions in the U.S.

Getting early care is the safest way to protect long-term brain health.

When to Go to the ER for a Concussion

Go to the emergency room immediately if the injured person shows any of these signs:

  • Loses consciousness, even for a few seconds

  • Has repeated vomiting

  • Has a worsening or severe headache

  • Displays confusion, slurred speech, or agitation

  • Has uneven pupils or blurred vision

  • Has a seizure or convulsion

  • Has trouble waking up or staying alert

These symptoms could point to a serious brain injury like bleeding or swelling.

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our ER staff can perform on-site CT scans, monitor vital signs, and stabilize patients. If a head injury is critical, our team will stabilize and transfer the patient to a hospital for continued treatment.


When Urgent Care Is the Right Choice

Choose urgent care if:

  • There was no loss of consciousness

  • Symptoms are mild but persistent

  • You want an evaluation or clearance for school or sports

Our urgent care providers can check for signs of concussion, recommend rest or follow-up, and decide if imaging or ER evaluation is needed.

Visiting iCare saves time and guesswork since urgent care and emergency care are in one location. Our staff determines the right level of care on the spot—so you get exactly what you need, without multiple trips.


Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment

A concussion diagnosis at iCare ER & Urgent Care includes a full exam and, if needed, imaging like CT scans to rule out bleeding. Our team checks balance, memory, and neurological function to ensure it’s safe for you or your child to return to normal activity.

Concussion treatment usually includes:

  • Rest: Limit physical activity and screen time for a few days.

  • Gradual return: Slowly go back to school, work, or sports when symptoms improve.

  • Follow-up care: Schedule checkups to make sure recovery is on track.

Recovery times vary from person to person. Some heal in days; others take weeks. Always follow your provider’s advice before resuming sports or strenuous activity.

image of football player in locker room holding his head demonstrating one of the key signs of a concussion

Fall Sports Concussion Safety Tips

You can’t prevent every accident, but these steps can lower the risk:

  1. Make sure helmets and gear fit properly.

  2. Teach safe techniques—never lead with the head.

  3. Encourage players to speak up if they feel dizzy or disoriented.

  4. Train coaches and parents to recognize concussion symptoms early.

  5. Enforce a “when in doubt, sit out” policy.

Building a safety-first culture keeps sports enjoyable and reduces serious injuries.


Why Choose iCare ER & Urgent Care

iCare ER & Urgent Care makes getting head injury treatment fast and easy. With locations in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney, we’re ready to help—day or night.

Each facility combines urgent care convenience with full emergency room capabilities, including:

  • On-site CT and imaging

  • Experienced emergency physicians

  • Fast, same-day evaluations

  • Seamless transfer if hospital care is needed

Whether you’re dealing with a mild sports concussion or a severe head injury, our team provides expert care in one place—so you don’t lose valuable time.

Protect Your Brain: Get Checked Today

If you or your child has taken a hit to the head, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for quick, thorough evaluation and treatment.

Our medical teams in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney are ready 24/7 to help you recover safely and confidently from any head injury or concussion.

👉 Find your nearest location:

References

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL FOR MORE RELEVANT,
LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Top