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How to Classify a Concussion

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) uses a five-grade system to classify the severity of concussions. It is important to note that concussions as mild as Grade II carry a risk of permanent neurological damage, so it is essential that you seek the advice of a doctor or neurologist if you suffer any kind of significant head injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Physician
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Instructions

  1. Learn to Classify Concussions By Grade

    • 1

      Identify a Grade I concussion, the least severe type, by knowing that this type of concussion does not involve loss of consciousness. In fact, the only detectable symptom of a Grade I concussion is relatively mild confusion or disorientation, which subsides in 15 minutes or less. Even so, a person who has suffered a Grade I concussion should refrain from continuing physical activity and should watch for lingering symptoms in the hours and days after the injury.

    • 2

      Classify a Grade II concussion by understanding that, while victims do not lose consciousness entirely, they do experience what is called "anterograde amnesia." This means that they have difficulty remembering events that took place in the moments following the initial impact. Anterograde amnesia should disappear within 5 minutes, or else it means the victim has suffered a more severe injury.

    • 3

      Learn the symptoms that accompany a Grade III concussion which is marked by a period of unconsciousness lasting 5 minutes or less, as well as the symptoms of a Grade I and/or Grade II concussion. A person suffering a Grade III concussion or higher must be stabilized and remain immobile until medical help arrives.

    • 4

      Seek immediate medical attention if the victim displays symptoms of a Grade IV concussion. A Grade IV concussion is, essentially, identical to a Grade III concussion, except the period of unconsciousness lasts up to 10 minutes. A Grade IV concussion carries significant risk of serious lingering effects and, possibly, permanent brain damage.

    • 5

      Recognize the most severe type of concussion, a Grade V concussion, by noticing that its defining feature is a prolonged period of unconsciousness lasting longer than 10 minutes. With this type of concussion, it is a virtual certainty that concussion symptoms will persist for days, weeks or perhaps months. These symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and cognitive, emotional and memory problems.

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