A concussion is a head injury with symptoms that can last for days, weeks, or life. A concussive traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to severe headaches, confusion, amnesia, nausea, and psychological disorders. Suffering a concussion can have lasting physical and mental impacts on the victim.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Depending on the type and severity of the concussion, you can feel the injury immediately or have delayed effects. You may feel pressure in your skull, headaches, dizziness, dancing vision, ringing ears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or loss of consciousness at the time of impact. These are all signs of concussive TBIs, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injury does not require emergency care, you should get a professional opinion.
Delayed Symptoms of a Concussion
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Personality changes or increased irritability
- New light and noise sensitivity
- Problems sleeping
- Depression
- Psychological adjustment issues
- Taste and smell disorders
Often, patients with concussion do not notice the head injuries causing a problem until weeks after the accident, when they notice they have not been themselves since the time of impact. Concussions are incredibly serious injuries. No matter when you notice symptoms of a concussion, you should seek the help of a medical professional to treat your TBI.
Many people, especially athletes, suffer multiple concussions before realizing they have done so. Multiple concussions can lead to serious, irreversible side effects. Tissues in the brain will begin to degenerate in a condition called chronic traumatic encephalitis, sometimes appearing as much as decades after sustaining the final concussion. People with mild concussions typically recover fully, but those with more serious concussions can suffer for life.
Common Causes of Concussions
Concussions are blows to the brain, disrupting normal function—sometimes irrevocably. Concussions cause the brain to twist, rock back and forth, and violently move around inside the skull. The long-lasting effects of concussions are similar to other TBI effects and vary depending on the severity of the injury. Victims of concussions can face brain damage similar to dementia, loss of memory, and even death.
Concussions can result from a number of different types of accidents and activities that involve the victim suffering a blow to the head. Some of the most common types of activities and accidents that result in concussions include:
- Auto accidents
- Contact sports
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Boating accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Drunk driving collisions
How to Know if You Have a Concussion
Because of the risk of delayed side effects, you should seek medical attention for any serious blow to the head. Even if you do not feel side effects right away, you should see a doctor to confirm your brain is not bleeding, swelling, or at risk of traumatic injury. Common danger signs of concussions in adults include:
- Worsening headaches
- Decreased coordination
- Weakness or numbness
- Repeated vomiting
If something knocked you unconscious and you suffered convulsions or seizures, slurred speech, or marked confusion, you most likely suffered a concussion. Concussions are more serious for children and can cause them to show sudden behavior problems, lack of interest in regular activities, loss of appetite, and loss of newly acquired skills. Take your child to the hospital immediately if you suspect he or she has suffered a concussion.
What to Do if You’ve Suffered a Concussion
To heal after a concussion, you need to rest and allow your brain to recover. Sleep long hours at night and get plenty of rest during the day. Avoid contact activities that could result in a second brain injury, and do not operate vehicles, bikes, or machinery until your doctor clears you. Avoid going to work if possible, or shorten your hours until you recover.
Have You Been Injured in Kansas City, Missouri? You Should Speak With an Experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer
If you've been injured in the Kansas City area you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.