Which is NOT a sign of concussion as observed by others?

• A. Headache
• B. Dazed, confusion, clumsy movements
• C. Loss of balance
• D. Slurred speech

Answer: (A)

In concussion assessment, we differentiate between signs that others can observe and symptoms the person reports. The items that show up as signs—what teammates, coaches, or medical staff can notice—include being dazed or confused, clumsy movements, and loss of balance. These are observable indicators of brain disruption.

Headache, on the other hand, is a symptom the athlete experiences and may report. It’s not something you can directly observe just by watching, especially in the chaotic context of a game. Slurred speech can be observed by others, so it fits with the observable signs category.

So the one that isn’t a sign observed by others is the headache, because it’s a subjective symptom rather than an external sign.