What symptom should a nurse expect in a client diagnosed with a concussion?

Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is a common symptom experienced by individuals diagnosed with a concussion. This occurs due to the brain's sensitivity to stimuli following the injury, affecting the visual processing areas. A concussion results from a blow to the head or body that leads to rapid movement of the brain within the skull. In this state, the brain can become overly sensitive to environmental factors, such as light, sounds, and other sensory inputs.

Individuals with concussions often report a myriad of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. While severe headaches may occur, they are not exclusively indicative of a concussion as they can arise from various other conditions. Loss of consciousness can happen in more severe traumatic brain injuries but is not as prevalent in cases of concussion—many individuals remain conscious throughout the incident. Seizures are also generally associated with more significant brain injuries rather than concussions specifically. Therefore, sensitivity to light stands out as a directly related symptom of a concussion, making it the most predictable response upon assessment.