You did not have to black out to have a brain injury
More than 90% of concussions happen with no loss of consciousness. Losing consciousness does not predict who goes on to have lasting symptoms — and a normal CT scan does not rule a concussion out. If you were told you were fine and you are not fine, that is worth taking seriously.
Concussion evaluation in St. Louis. Call (314) 887-5866.
What most people were told, and what the evidence says
- “You didn’t lose consciousness, so it’s not a concussion.” Loss of consciousness is one of four alternative criteria in the standard definition — not a requirement. It occurs in roughly 5–9% of concussions.
- “Your scan was normal, so nothing is wrong.” A CT tests for bleeding, fracture and mass effect. It is not designed to detect a concussion.
- “If it were serious you’d have blacked out.” In 1,507 tracked concussions, loss of consciousness showed no association with developing persistent symptoms.
Read the evidence, with sources →
How we assess concussion
Concussion is a clinical diagnosis supported by targeted testing. We examine the vestibulo-ocular system — the most productive area in persistent concussion and one invisible to routine imaging — using videonystagmography and structured symptom instruments repeated over time.
Where to start
- Concussion Without Loss of Consciousness
- The Long-Term Effects of Concussion
- Concussion Diagnosis and Testing
- Concussion Treatment
- PTSD and Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Concussion in Injury Claims
- Life Care Planning After Brain Injury
About Dr. Padda
Concussion Center is directed by Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD, MBA, MHP — board certified in anesthesiology, pain medicine, interventional pain, addiction medicine and obesity medicine, and a certified rater for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Credentials, written to be checked →
Visit
4477 Woodson Rd, Suite 105, St. Louis, MO 63134
(314) 887-5866
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serving the greater St. Louis region, Missouri and Illinois.