10 Common Signs You Might Have a Concussion and Not Know It

Posted on March 10, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Concussions aren’t always obvious. You don’t need to be knocked out or have a visible injury to your head to be dealing with the effects of a traumatic brain injury. I’ve seen it happen countless times—someone walks away from a car accident or sports collision feeling “a little off,” but nothing more. A few days later, the symptoms begin creeping in.

That’s why recognizing the subtle signs of a concussion is so important. Missing these warning signals could delay your recovery and prolong symptoms. As a Concussion Therapy Specialist based in Perris, I’ve made it my mission to help people identify these early indicators so they can get the care they deserve before things get worse.

Below, I’ve outlined 10 signs you might have a concussion and not even realize it. If any of these sound familiar, I encourage you to listen to your body—and don’t wait to seek support.

1. You Feel “Off,” But Can’t Explain Why

One of the first things people tell me is, “I don’t feel like myself.” That feeling is often the brain’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right. Maybe you’re more irritable than usual, or maybe your mood has shifted and you don’t know why.

This sensation is hard to describe, which is why it often gets dismissed. But I’ve learned that these vague feelings are often the most telling signs of an undiagnosed concussion.

2. You’re Suddenly More Sensitive to Light and Sound

If lights seem harsher than usual or everyday noises feel overwhelming, that’s a big red flag. Your brain is working harder to process sensory input after a concussion, which can lead to increased sensitivity.

Bright lights, screens, and loud environments might feel unbearable. If you find yourself reaching for sunglasses indoors or turning down the volume more often, it’s worth paying attention.

3. You’re Struggling to Focus or Stay Mentally Sharp

I work with clients who describe this as feeling like their brain is “stuck in mud.” You might find it harder to concentrate, follow conversations, or multitask—especially if these tasks were easy for you before.

This cognitive fog, or “brain fog,” is one of the most common concussion symptoms I see in people who didn’t know they were injured. It’s frustrating, but with the right plan, it’s manageable.

4. You Have Headaches That Weren’t There Before

Headaches that show up after a minor accident or bump on the head shouldn’t be brushed off. Even if they’re dull and infrequent, they could indicate underlying neurological stress.

I always remind my clients that post-concussion headaches can take different forms. They might feel like pressure behind the eyes, a throbbing at the temples, or a tension-type ache that builds throughout the day.

5. You’re More Tired Than Usual—Even After Sleeping Well

Fatigue is your brain’s way of telling you it’s overworked. Following a concussion, even simple tasks can feel exhausting. You might wake up after a full night’s sleep and still feel like you’ve barely rested.

When I see this pattern in clients, it’s often tied to the brain working overtime to restore balance. Concussion-related fatigue isn’t just about sleep—it’s about recovery demands your body is trying to meet.

6. You’ve Noticed Changes in Your Sleep Patterns

Whether you’re sleeping too much, waking up frequently, or struggling to fall asleep, disrupted sleep is a common post-concussion issue. What makes this tricky is that sleep problems can appear days or even weeks after the injury.

As a specialist, I pay close attention to sleep habits. When your brain is healing, rest plays a vital role. If your sleep has changed and you’re not sure why, it may be related to a brain injury you haven’t addressed.

7. Your Balance or Coordination Feels Off

If you’re feeling clumsy or disoriented, don’t chalk it up to being tired or distracted. Loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble with coordination can all stem from a concussion.

Many people I work with don’t realize how much their vestibular system—the part of the brain that controls balance—is impacted after a head injury. If walking in a straight line or navigating stairs feels more difficult than usual, take it seriously.

8. Your Memory Isn’t As Sharp As It Used to Be

I’ve had clients tell me they forgot names, missed appointments, or lost their train of thought mid-sentence. Memory lapses—especially short-term—are often linked to concussions.

Even if you remember the big things, struggling with small day-to-day tasks could signal an issue with cognitive processing. If it’s harder to remember what you just read or what you were doing a moment ago, your brain may still be recovering from trauma.

9. You’re Emotionally Reactive or Noticing Mood Swings

You might find yourself crying more easily, getting angry without reason, or feeling unusually anxious. These mood changes aren’t just emotional—they’re neurological.

A concussion can affect the way your brain processes emotions. Clients often come to me confused about why they’re feeling so “off.” Understanding that these emotional shifts have a physical cause is the first step to healing.

10. You Haven’t Felt the Same Since That Bump, Hit, or Accident

Maybe it was a minor car crash. Maybe you hit your head on a cabinet or collided with someone during a game. You felt okay afterward, so you didn’t think much of it.

But if things haven’t felt quite right since then—if your energy, focus, or mood changed—your body may be signaling an undiagnosed concussion. That’s when it’s time to get evaluated and start recovery the right way.

Why So Many People Miss These Signs

One of the reasons I created AthletIQ Sports Rehab was because I saw how many people fall through the cracks. Most medical systems are built to rule out life-threatening injuries—not support full recovery. If your scan is clear, you’re often sent home with no plan and no direction.

But that doesn’t mean you’re fine. You might be walking around with symptoms that are impacting your ability to work, study, or live your life—and the longer they go untreated, the harder they can be to fix.

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse to get help.

What You Can Do If You Recognize These Symptoms

If any of these signs sound familiar, I encourage you to take action. Don’t wait for someone else to validate your experience. Trust what your body is telling you.

Here’s what I can do for you through AthletIQ Sports Rehab:

• Evaluate your condition using advanced assessment tools
• Identify your specific concussion type
• Create a personalized, step-by-step recovery plan
• Support you with telehealth access and ongoing feedback

My care is fully online, so you can start your recovery from home without traveling or waiting for appointments. Whether your injury was recent or months ago, it’s not too late to start healing.

Healing Starts With the Right Support

Concussions are invisible injuries. You may look fine to everyone else, but feel like a completely different version of yourself. That disconnect can be discouraging—but you don’t have to go through it alone.

I created this care model to bring expert-level support to people who are too often overlooked. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a professional, or someone just trying to get back to normal—I see you, and I’m here to help.

Let’s Talk About Your Recovery

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or just want to explore your options, I invite you to reach out. Let’s figure out what’s going on and create a recovery plan that works for you. Call me directly at ‪(425) 248-0315 or email me at [email protected]. Your brain deserves expert care. Let’s get started—together.