Learn how to prevent concussions, recognize symptoms and know when to seek emergency care.
March 16, 2026
Contributed by: Victoria Whitehair, MD / Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Concussion Prevention, Symptoms and Care
Concussions are often in the news when athletes get hurt. But these brain injuries can happen to anyone. People of all ages get concussions.
“Falls are the top cause of concussions, and we’re seeing these increasing over time,” says Victoria Whitehair, MD, a MetroHealth Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor with specialized training in brain injury rehabilitation. She also treats patients at our Comprehensive Concussion Clinic. “We also see a lot of concussions from car and bicycle accidents, workplace injuries and sports-related injuries.”
Not all concussions can be prevented, but you can lower the risk with simple safety steps.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It usually happens when you get a bump, blow or jolt to your head. It can also happen when your body is hit and your head moves quickly back and forth.
Even though it’s called “mild,” the symptoms may not feel mild at all. Some people feel better in a few days, while others take several weeks or longer to recover.
Concussion Prevention Tips
You can help prevent concussions by using good safety habits at home, at work, in the car and during play. Use this simple safety checklist to help avoid concussions.
Safety Checklist
At home
- Clear clutter and remove loose rugs.
- Keep halls and stairs brightly lit.
- Use non‑slip mats in tubs and showers.
- Install and use stair handrails.
At work
- Follow all safety rules.
- Make sure your safety gear works properly.
In the car
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Set your headrest to support the back of your head.
- Don’t drive distracted.
At play
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard.
- Use the right equipment and follow safety rules.
- Watch young kids during active play.
- If you hit your head, do not go back to play until a trainer or doctor says it’s safe.
Special Precautions for Older Adults
Older adults have a higher risk for falls and are more likely to have serious problems after a concussion. Complications may include bleeding in the brain, memory problems or changes in behavior.
Adults over 65 may fall more because of balance issues, weaker muscles, changes in vision or medication side effects.
To help lower fall risk, Dr. Whitehair recommends MetroHealth’s Falls Clinic. The team will:
- Review past falls
- Check your risk of future falls and create a prevention plan
- Refer you to specialists like physical therapists or heart care providers
The Falls Clinic is open Tuesday mornings at Old Brooklyn Medical Center. Call 216-696-3876 to make an appointment.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Some symptoms show up right away. Others may appear hours later.
Immediate signs:
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Trouble following simple directions
- Feeling confused or disoriented
Symptoms that may appear later:
- Cognitive: Confusion, forgetfulness
- Physical: Headache, dizziness, vision problems, sensitivity to light or sound, unsteady movement
- Mood: Irritability, anxiety
When Is a Concussion a Medical Emergency?
A concussion can become an emergency if it causes bleeding in the brain. This is more common among adults over 65.
Go to an emergency department after a head injury if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Pass out for more than a few minutes
- Have a seizure
- Vomit many times
- Become very confused or very sleepy
- Have a severe or worsening headache
- Notice double vision, numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Most concussions in younger people are not medical emergencies. In many cases, you can watch symptoms for a day or two. If you are unsure, call your primary care provider.
MetroHealth’s Comprehensive Concussion Clinic offers same-day and next-day appointments.
What to Do in an Emergency
Call 911 or go to an emergency room near you.
MetroHealth is Northeast Ohio’s Premiere Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. Our team can quickly check for brain bleeding using CT scans, which aren’t available in most urgent care centers.
MetroHealth provides Emergency Care at the following locations:
Concussion Recovery Steps
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people feel better in a few days. Others may need weeks or more.
What you do in the days after the injury matters. “In the past, experts encouraged people to ‘cocoon,’ or stay in a dark room and avoid all stimulation,” Dr. Whitehair says. “Now we know the brain heals better with gentle, gradual return to activity.”
What to do:
- Rest for 1-2 days.
- Slowly return to normal activities like school, work, errands and light exercise.
- If symptoms get worse, slow down, try again later and see a healthcare provider.
Keep adjusting until you feel more like yourself.
MetroHealth Concussion Clinic is Here to Help
If your symptoms aren’t improving, we can help.
Our Comprehensive Concussion Clinic offers:
- Same-day and next-day evaluations
- A care team that includes physiatrists, neuropsychologists, athletic trainers and rehabilitation therapists
- Physical, occupational, speech and cognition, vestibular and visual therapy programs
- Support for returning to school, sports or work
- Care for both kids and adults
We’ll create a plan that helps you feal safely and get back to your normal activities.
Think you might have a concussion?
Call 216‑778‑4414 to make an appointment at MetroHealth’s Comprehensive Concussion Clinic.
Your Questions Answered
Q. Is screen time okay after a concussion?
A. Yes, but if screen time makes symptoms worse, take a break and try again later.
Q. Why are older adults at greater risk after a head injury?
A. Older adults fall more often and may have health conditions or take medications that increase bleeding risk. If they fall once, they are more likely to fall again, according to the National Council on Aging. Their primary care provider or the Falls Clinic care team can help make a plan to help reduce future falls.
Q. Can you have a concussion without passing out?
A. Yes. Many people with concussions never lose consciousness. Symptoms like confusion, headache or dizziness still mean you may have had a concussion.
