Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should You Worry About Minor Head Injuries?

Repeated trauma over time can have a cumulative effect

woman with ice on concussed head

Scenario one: You’re playing ball, get beaned in the head and start to feel nauseous and dizzy. Uh-oh. You know there’s a possibility of a concussion, so you go to your nearest emergency room.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Scenario two: Same ballgame, same beaning, but you feel fine. No need to worry or see a doctor, right?

Well, you may want to reconsider. In this Q&A, concussion expert Richard Figler, MD, discusses these minor head injuries, called subconcussive hits, and their impact on the brain.

Q: What is considered a mild head injury?

A: A concussion happens when you get hit in the head hard enough to cause a transient disturbance of brain function or causes your brain not to function normally. You experience symptoms ranging from headache, dizziness or nausea to feeling confused or out of it. A “mild” concussion is one that is not life-threatening but typically requires a doctor’s care.

So if you took a small hit to the head and had any concussion symptoms, you should leave the activity right away. You should then have a doctor examine you to rule out a concussion. (We would consider it a concussion until proven otherwise.)

A subconcussive blow is one rung below a mild concussion. You get hit in the head but you don’t experience symptoms. In this case, we would not suspect a concussion (but symptoms can come on hours after hit, so monitor closely). However, this minor blow may still cause damage over time. We would be naïve to think there’s not some force that’s transmitted to the brain from these milder hits. We simply don’t know enough about these milder hits to definitively say how dangerous they are.

Advertisement

Q: Are subconcussive impacts dangerous?

A: There have been studies on accelerometers (a device which measures acceleration) and helmets, but the data is difficult to interpret because:

  • The force that hits the helmet doesn’t get transmitted all the way to the brain, so it’s hard to measure completely.
  • For studies involving athletes with no symptoms, we can’t be sure they’re telling the truth about the lack of symptoms or if their trauma is worth noting. So we don’t know how many subconcussive hits are potentially problematic down the road.
  • We don’t know what effect, if any, these hits have on the brain over time. The literature’s not there to support a conclusive answer.

I’ve had situations where athletes — who often sustain blows to their heads — have gotten concussions from a small unexpected hit on the back of the head. While soccer and football players often develop neck strength that may absorb smaller blows, if they receive a hit they’re not ready for, they can be out for two or more weeks with a concussion because they never had time to prepare for that unexpected hit.

Q: Are mild head injuries more dangerous for younger people than older people?

A: While the younger brain may heal faster, we also know that the developing brain in younger people is probably more irritated by subtle blows to the head. As athletes get older, we think the brain can withstand a little more force.

Plus, younger people may not report concussion symptoms because they don’t know they’re having them. Children are notorious for not being able to explain what a headache is or exactly how they’re feeling. So we can’t definitively say that the younger athlete can sustain these minor blows without any significant repercussions.

The takeaway is we need to protect younger athletes:

  • Limit blows to the head as their brains develop (perhaps through strict tackling guidelines and enforcing proper techniques).
  • Educate them about concussion symptoms.
  • Children and young teens need to know when to tell somebody so they can pull themselves off the field right away and recover. The best treatment is prevention and education. Make sure everyone, the athlete, teammates, coaches and parents are aware of the symptoms of concussion.

Q: When should you see your doctor about a head trauma?

A: You should visit an emergency room if you experience serious symptoms, such as:

  • Decrease in mental status or neurological function.
  • Numbness or tingling.
  • Worsening headache.
  • Prolonged loss of consciousness.
  • Repetitive vomiting.
  • Significant neck pain.
  • Vision loss.

Follow up with your doctor about hits to the head that cause both major and minor concussion symptoms. More minor symptoms include:

Advertisement

  • Dizziness.
  • Feeling foggy.
  • Light sensitivity.
  • Noise sensitivity.
  • Headache.
  • Head pressure.
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering.

But pay attention to anything that would make someone stop play and not be able to continue for even a short time. The motto is “When in doubt, sit them out.” Remember: It’s safer to err on the side of caution. Even if you don’t experience concussion symptoms, call your doctor if you have any concerns following a subconcussive impact.

Physician visits are especially important for athletes that sustained concussions because we need to ensure their health before they return to play. We can work with them on symptom reduction faster than they could on their own. We also offer guidelines about how to:

  • Manage symptoms.
  • Return to play safely and effectively.
  • Return to the classroom effectively and with fewer symptoms.
  • Recover completely.

And we emphasize concussion education. We help you recognize the signs of a concussion so you can pull yourself out of play sooner. You’ll recover faster than someone who stays in the game with concussion symptoms.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Toddler getting their head wrapped in bandage by two healthcare workers
November 6, 2024/Primary Care
When Is a Bump on the Head Serious?

Watch for severe symptoms in older kids and adults, but kids under age 2 should always see a provider

Woman using a resistance band to work out
July 3, 2025/Exercise & Fitness
How To Get a Lift Out of Strength Training

Weightlifting and other types of resistance training bring many health benefits

Variety of fruits, veggies, nuts, lean proteins and healthy fats in various vessels
Best Diet for Parkinson’s Disease

Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to help manage symptoms of this degenerative brain condition

Person standing in pool, rubbing their eyes
June 20, 2025/Eye Care
How To Keep Chlorine Out of Your Eyes This Summer

To avoid swimmer’s eye, wear goggles, use eye drops and flush out your eyes with fresh, clean water when irritated

Person peeking into their living room from a doorway
What Is Jamais Vu? And What Is It Telling You?

When the familiar suddenly feels unfamiliar, it could be nothing — or something worth noting

Two people with blank faces, facing each other in a park, with people in background
That Strange Feeling of Déjà Vu — Explained

Déjà vu is a fleeting, false memory — it can be harmless or a sign of something more

Older person drinking water at gym during workout
June 16, 2025/Men's Health
How Men Can Get Fit After 50 — and Stay That Way

Getting stronger, feeling better and staying active isn’t just possible — it’s doable

Person massaging arch of foot
June 11, 2025/Exercise & Fitness
Don’t Let Foot Cramps Cramp Your Style

Cramps can creep up if your shoes are too tight, you’re dehydrated or you have poor circulation

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad