Delayed Concussion Symptoms

April 1, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury

A concussion is considered a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the consequences can still be severe and life-altering. Many people think the effects of a concussion show up right away, but that’s not always true. Delayed concussion symptoms can take hours or days to appear after the initial injury.

Here’s what you need to know about why concussion symptoms can be delayed, common signs to watch for, and what to do if you think you have a concussion.

What Causes Concussions?

Concussions happen when the brain is jolted inside the skull. Some of the most common causes include:

Car accidents: A concussion can be caused by a direct blow to the head or rapid back-and-forth movement. Whiplash is a common co-occurring injury in minor crashes.
Slip and fall accidents: Falls are a leading cause of head injuries, especially for older adults and young children.
Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey put athletes at the greatest risk.
Workplace accidents: Jobs involving construction, heavy machinery, driving, or working at heights have the greatest risk of brain injuries.
Violence: Assault, domestic violence, and other forms of violence can result in concussions.

If you have been involved in any of these accidents, it’s crucial to watch for signs of a concussion. About half of concussions are not reported or treated right away.

Why Are Concussion Symptoms Sometimes Delayed?

Not all concussion symptoms show up immediately. This happens for several reasons:

Adrenaline and endorphins released during an accident can mask pain and other symptoms for hours or even days.
Swelling and inflammation in the brain triggered by the concussion develop over time. This can cause new symptoms to appear.
Chemical changes in the brain happen slowly after an injury, disrupting brain function and causing new symptoms.

Older adults and people with certain pre-existing conditions are more likely to experience delayed or atypical concussion symptoms.

Sometimes concussion symptoms aren’t delayed but simply not recognized right away. Initial symptoms can be subtle and difficult to recognize. Some people don’t realize they have a concussion until they notice ongoing headaches, dizziness, or concentration problems. Memory problems and confusion after a head injury can also make it difficult for an injury victim to recognize their own symptoms.

Common Delayed Concussion Symptoms

After a head injury, even a mild one, watch for symptoms that may appear over the next few days. These can include:

Persistent headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or balance problems
Sensitivity to light and sound
Blurred vision
Trouble concentrating
Memory problems
Confusion or brain fog
Mood swings or increased emotional sensitivity
Anxiety or depression
Irritability
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Sleeping too much
Unusual drowsiness

Even mild symptoms can be a sign of a more serious injury. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention. Delaying care can prolong the recovery process and may result in a more serious injury.

How Long Can It Take for Symptoms To Appear?

Delayed concussion symptoms can show up anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after the injury. Most symptoms appear within 24 to 48 hours, but some, like memory problems or mood changes, may not be obvious for weeks.

This delay is why it’s crucial to monitor yourself after any head injury, even if you feel fine at first.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Delayed Symptoms

Ignoring a concussion can have serious consequences. Some people develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS), where symptoms last for months or even years. Others risk second impact syndrome, a life-threatening condition that happens when someone suffers a second concussion before the first one heals.

If you experience delayed concussion symptoms, don’t ignore them; seek medical help to ensure a full recovery.

Contact a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Tampa today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
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(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
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Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196