How Serious is a Concussion?
Concussions are one of the most common types of personal injuries. They often occur in motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, slips and falls, or as the result of sports and recreational activities. Anytime you suffer a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, you should see a doctor immediately, even if you think your injury is minor. Determining how serious a concussion is can be important to your health and well-being. Symptoms of concussions often take days or even weeks to appear, and failing to get medical care can result in serious complications.
Symptoms of a Concussion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that concussions, which are a type of traumatic brain injury, are a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be apparent immediately after your accident. But concussions can be serious, having long ranging impacts on your personal and professional life. The CDC advises that symptoms generally fall into four categories:
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and problems with balance
- Cognitive symptoms, such as problems with thinking, memory, concentration, and understanding or communicating with others
- Emotional/mental issues, such as increased anxiety, problems with anger and rage, and depression
- Sleep disorders, such as excessive fatigue, sleeping more or less than usual, or having trouble falling asleep
Anytime you are involved in an accident where a head injury is suspected, you should get medical care immediately. Concussions can have far reaching impacts on your physical health and abilities, and without proper treatment, they could result in potentially life threatening complications.
Concussion Complications
The Mayo Clinic advises that even a seemingly minor bump or blow to the head can impact the brain’s normal functioning. A concussion can result in swelling of the brain or bleeding in the brain tissues, which has the potential to be fatal. Patients should receive medical treatment and be closely monitored in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs.
The levels of chemicals in the brain can change as the result of a concussion, and it can take weeks for these chemicals to return to normal levels. Recovery times vary and complications can last for months or even years after the injury. These include:
- Headaches, which can be severe and debilitating
- Vertigo, or feelings of spinning or dizziness
- Post-concussion syndrome, involving sleep and mood disorders and difficulty concentrating
- Second impact syndrome, which can cause fatal bleeding if a second head injury occurs before the first has healed properly
In addition to the above, victims who suffered a concussion in the past are at greater risk for complications and may experience lasting impairments.
Get Help Today
If you or someone you care about has suffered a concussion or head injury, contact Robes Law Group at (561) 570-5700 or use the button below to schedule a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys understand the permanent and severe impacts that serious concussions can have. We can advise you on how to get the compensation you need to recover.
