Concussions are often difficult injuries to diagnose, unlike a broken bone and other serious bodily injuries, in many cases there isn’t blatant physical evidence. That is precisely why it is so crucial for individuals to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and lasting effects of concussions.
Concussions are caused by any sudden direct blow to the head. A concussion is the most common type of diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can have lasting effects. Concussion injuries should always be taken seriously, as it is crucial to promptly diagnose and treat injuries to the head.
What are the most common causes of concussions?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, car accidents (including bicycle accidents), fall down accidents, work-related accidents, sport-related accidents, and physical altercations are the leading causes of concussions.
What are the symptoms of concussions?
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Behavioral or personality changes
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Concentration or memory problems
- Confusion
Are there lasting effects?
The answer to this question varies based on the type of concussion. Concussions are classified three ways.
Grade 1 (mild): Grade 1 concussions are far less severe than other concussions. Symptoms last for less than 15 minutes and consciousness is not lost.
Grade 2 (moderate): Grade 2 concussion symptoms last longer than 15 minutes, but like grade 1 concussions there is no loss of consciousness.
Grade 3 (severe): Grade 3 concussions always include a loss of consciousness.
While some concussions don’t have lasting effects, individuals who have sustained a brain injury may suffer from ongoing memory problems, personality changes (like irritability), sensitivity to light and noise, psychological issues, varying degrees of physical paralysis, loss of control of bodily functions, and chronic pain.
What actions to take?
As Mount Sinai Medical Center explains in the quote below, it is extremely difficult to gauge if and how an individual will recover from a concussion or TBI. Because recovery typically involves ongoing (and often costly) treatment, it is important that those who suffered a TBI at no-fault of their own contact a personal injury attorney.
“People who have experienced a TBI vary on many dimensions:
1) severity of initial injury;
2) rate and completeness of physiological healing;
3) types of functions affected;
4) meaning of dysfunction in the individual’s life, in the context of his/her roles, values, and goals;
5) resources available to aid recovery of function; and so forth.
Thus, the most important point to emphasize is that the consequences will be different for each individual injured.”- Brainling.org
Contact the experienced brain injury lawyers at Jacoby and Meyers LLP today.