Is a Concussion a Brain Injury?
Posted in Brain Injury on August 15, 2022
Concussions are relatively common head injuries that affect millions of people every year. Despite their frequent occurrence, these injuries are very serious and can be dangerous if left untreated. This is because concussions affect the brain, one of the most important organs in the human body.
The brain is the command center of the human body, responsible for controlling multiple bodily functions such as movement, speech, and memory. If you suffer a concussion in an unexpected accident, you will require immediate medical care to avoid potential complications.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when you suffer a blow or bump to the head that damages your brain. These injuries may also occur if an object penetrates the skull. TBIs can lead to swelling, bleeding, and bruising in the brain.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of TBI that occurs when you suffer a blow or violent shaking to the head. It can lead to temporary cognitive difficulties, resulting in problems with memory, balance, concentration, and physical coordination.
Below are some of the most common symptoms of concussions:
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability or sudden emotional changes
- Difficulty with concentration or memory
You may not notice symptoms of a concussion for a few hours or even days following the initial injury. However, untreated concussions can be very dangerous and lead to additional complications in the future. If you suffer any type of injury to the head, it is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible following the accident.
Common Causes of Concussions
A concussion can occur whenever you suffer trauma to the head. There are several accidents that could lead to this injury, including:
- Falls: Dangerous hazards can lead to serious slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents. When you fall, you can hit your head on an object or hard surface, causing you to develop a concussion.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car accidents can generate significant force. You can hit your head on your steering wheel or dashboard, or a flying object can strike you in the head. This force can easily cause a concussion.
- Sports Accidents: Concussions are very common injuries during sports and recreational activities. To prevent these injuries, all players must be equipped with the proper safety gear, including helmets.
- Workplace Injuries: Workplaces can be dangerous places. Depending on where you work, you could suffer a concussion due to a fall hazard, a defective piece of equipment, falling debris or objects, and other on-the-job accidents.
Your Legal Options After a Concussion in Missouri
Concussions can lead to serious physical pain, psychological trauma, and financial hardship. You may need to take time off work to recover from your injuries, obtain expensive medical care, and pay for repairs to any property damaged in the accident.
If you developed a concussion in an accident that was caused by someone else, you may be eligible for legal action. Depending on the cause of your concussion, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver, property owner, or other party.
In these situations, it is important to consult with a Kansas City brain injury lawyer about your legal options. As soon as possible following your injury, contact an attorney to discuss your case and plan your next steps.