Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), though the effects may be far from “mild.” Concussions can have serious symptoms and lead to dangerous complications if untreated. The signs of a concussion may be easy to disregard and vary from one person to the next. Many times, after a bump on the head, people try to brush it off and just take over-the-counter pain relievers without realizing they have a concussion. Many concussions go undiagnosed and untreated as a result.
It is important to recognize when you or your child may have sustained a concussion and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors have different tests to determine whether you have any degree of brain injury and can recommend the proper course of treatment.
You may think concussions only result from a serious blow to the head. However, even a seemingly minor head impact has the potential to damage delicate brain tissue. In addition, a sharp jolt to the body that causes a jerk to the head can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, causing a concussion. In other words, a concussion can happen even without hitting your head. The following are some types of accidents or incidents that may result in a concussion or a moderate to severe TBI:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Car and truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycles accidents
- Slip and falls
- Getting hit by an object
- Sports accidents
- Shaking an infant
If any of these—or anything else that causes a blow or jolt to the head—happens to you, see a medical professional as soon as possible. Many symptoms of a concussion may not show up for hours after the accident. Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered a concussion injury.
Signs of a Possible Concussion
The symptoms of a concussion vary based on the degree of injury, the location of the injury on the brain, and other factors related to the victim. Some people mistake their symptoms as shock or disorientation from the accident itself when in reality, they have suffered a brain injury. Because there is no definitive list of signs to watch for, anything out of the ordinary should be a sign to seek medical help. The signs of a concussion include:
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Loss of consciousness for any period of time
- Feeling pressure in your head
- Problems remembering what happened
- Feeling dazed
- Slurred speech
- Delayed thought processing and answering questions
A New Orleans Brain Injury Lawyer Is Here to Help You
Concussion victims should get a medical diagnosis and may require time off work or school to rest and recover. If your concussion occurred because of another party’s negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands traumatic brain injuries and can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Please consult with Egenberg, APLC for free by contacting us online or calling 504-229-5700 today.