Which sign may indicate a concussion in a patient?

Memory loss is a key indicator of a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur following a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the body that causes the brain to move within the skull. Concussions can affect cognitive functions, leading to symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory impairment. In the context of a concussion, memory loss specifically may manifest as difficulty remembering events immediately before or after the injury, which is commonly referred to as retrograde or anterograde amnesia.

The other symptoms listed—fever, chest pain, and persistent cough—are not typically associated with concussions. Fever may indicate an unrelated infection or illness, chest pain often points to cardiovascular or respiratory issues, and a persistent cough might suggest a respiratory condition. Thus, memory loss stands out as a direct indicator of potential brain injury in cases of concussion.