What Are Some of the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?

 Posted on April 02, 2020 in Car Accidents

A concussion is one type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) which is usually caused by a sudden impact or shake to the head. The word “concussion” comes from the Latin word “concussio” which means "to shake violently.” When a person sustains a concussion, the impact can jar the brain, sometimes causing it to literally move around inside the skull. Traumatic brain injuries such a concussion can cause brain bruising, blood vessel damage, and injury to nerves.

Concussions are commonly caused by playing sports, car accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, work-related injuries, and falling. Although a concussion is usually considered a relatively minor brain injury, any brain injury can cause cognitive impairment and result in financial losses. If you or a loved one suffered a concussion after an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.

Symptoms of a Concussion May Not Be Immediately Obvious

One of the biggest misunderstandings about concussions is the assumption that they are immediately obvious. The majority of people who are concussed do not lose consciousness. The injured person might not even recognize that he or she has sustained a concussion. During traumatic events like traffic accidents, adrenaline can minimize the amount of pain a person experiences—or even mask pain and discomfort altogether. Many people who have been involved in serious accidents did not even realize they were severely injured until someone notifies them of their injuries.

The most common symptoms of a concussion include headaches and problems with judgment, memory, concentration, balance, and coordination, but they are not always immediate. This means that you should not wait for such symptoms to appear before seeking medical treatment after an accident. If there is any possibility whatsoever that you suffered a concussion in an accident, you should get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.  

Post-Concussion Syndrome Can Increase the Duration of Concussion Symptoms

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that develops in about 10 percent of individuals who suffer concussions. People with this condition experience the symptoms of the concussion for much longer than normal. Additional symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, sensitivity to sound and light, and behavioral changes can develop as well. Post-concussion syndrome may last for weeks, months, or even years in more extreme cases. Having detailed medical records is imperative to proving damages from post-concussion syndrome in a personal injury suit.

Contact a Winnebago County Concussion Injury Attorney Today

If you wish to learn more about how you can recover compensation for damages like missed work, pain and suffering, and medical bills after an accident, contact Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Rockford personal injury attorneys, call us at 815-215-7561 today.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/brain/concussion-traumatic-brain-injury-symptoms-causes-treatments#1

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/dailydose/12/03/stress.block.pain/index.html