Carson also pulled off a string of impressive saves in a thrilling contest that ended 3-3 at full-time, but Hughes revealed Carson was briefly knocked out cold in the melee that led to North End's second goal and struggled with his vision immediately afterwards.
With no goalkeeper named among the Shakers' substitutes, Carson elected to carry on but was found wanting when his fumble allowed Stuart Beavon to put the visitors in front for a third time.
"I think he made a few great saves before that," Hughes said of the late error. "He was sparked out. He was the one who said he'll carry on and that's the kind of person he is.
"It was before the second goal. When the second goal went in he couldn't see or anything like that.
"He's just got on with it and that shows good character about him so fair play to him.
"I said at the end I'd go in goal for him, nominated myself if he was struggling. I used to be a little bit of a 'cat' myself."
Bury boss Kevin Blackwell was less sympathetic over Carson's plight and joked: "The rule is if you've got concussion, there's three balls - go for the middle one."
