A concussion can generate a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Some people think you have to lose consciousness if you have sustained a concussion, but this is not the case. In fact, it is not at all uncommon for someone to suffer a concussion and not even know it. Not all signs of a concussion are obvious.
Whether symptoms are immediate, delayed, or non-existent, concussions are traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It is important that you get checked out by a physician if you sustain a blow to the head or some type of violent shaking of the head, as you may have sustained a concussion even if you display no obvious signs of a concussion. You will need to treat the injury to prevent complications.
How Concussions Happen
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a concussion can result from a sudden impact to or movement of the head. Even being hit with a strong force to your body that causes your head to move suddenly back and forth can cause a concussion. As you might imagine, these injuries often stem from a sports incident or motor vehicle collision.
When your head suddenly moves back and forth in such a rapid manner, your brain bounces around in your skull. This movement can damage or stretch your brain cells. It can even alter chemicals in your brain.
Notes of Caution Regarding Symptoms and Signs of a Concussion
It is important to realize that not all signs and symptoms of a concussion manifest immediately. You might not detect any signs or symptoms for several hours—sometimes even days after the incident that caused the injury.
Also, concussion symptoms are often checked right after an injury happens; assessments regarding the welfare of an injured person are made based on this first check. But symptoms might worsen over time, and if this is the case, a concussion patient should be taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
Symptoms and Signs of a Concussion
Evidence of a concussion can be observed by a third party (signs) or be based on what the concussion patient reports feeling (symptoms).
Concussion Signs
If you have suffered a concussion, a third party might notice that you:
- Seem to be stunned or in a daze
- Are moving about in a clumsy manner
- Lose consciousness
- Are not able to remember events that happened before or after the injuring event
- Are slow to respond to questions
- Show changes in behavior, mood, or personality
Concussion Symptoms
If you have sustained a concussion, you might report that you:
- Feel nauseous or have vomited
- Are confused or cannot remember things
- Have a headache or feel pressure in your head
- Are intolerant of noise or light
- Simply do not “feel right”
- Have trouble keeping your balance, feel dizzy, or have blurry or double vision
- Feel groggy or sluggish
When You Should See a Doctor
For anything more than a light bump, children should always be taken to a doctor within one to two days after a head injury.
However, anyone who experiences the following symptoms should be taken the emergency room immediately:
- Losing consciousness for more than 30 seconds
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- Disorientation/confusion
- Irritability and other changes in behavior
- A worsening headache
- Obvious struggles with mental functions
- Clumsiness, stumbling
- Prolonged or recurring dizziness
- Seizures
- Large bruises or bumps in areas besides the forehead
- Trouble with physical coordination
- Dilated or differently sized pupils
- Trouble with vision or eyes
Treatment for a Concussion
Generally speaking, the go-to-treatment for a concussion is rest. You may need to take some days off work or school—certainly sports and physical activity—to give your brain a chance to heal.
Your symptoms might last up to a week, depending on the severity of your concussion. If your symptoms haven’t gone away by that time, give your physician a call.
Tips for treating a concussion:
- Sleep—as much as you can, both during the day and at night
- Stay away from anything with too many sensory stimuli (loud music, video games, etc.)
- Nourish your body with well-balanced meals
- Only return to work or school when your doctor gives you the go-ahead
- Inform your boss/teachers that you have had a concussion
- Avoid driving or operating a bike or machinery until your physician says it is okay
- Gradually re-integrate into your normal lifestyle and activities
- Avoid airplane travel
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Do not drink alcohol or take drugs—unless it is medication your doctor approved
Most likely, your doctor will not prescribe pain medication, as it might cloak your symptoms and signs of a concussion, making you feel like you can return to more rigorous activities before your brain has fully healed.
If You Suffered Injury From a Concussion, We Will Fight to Recover Damages
If you suffered a concussion due to the negligence of another person—in a car accident, for example, or maybe due to poor athletic gear—you deserve to receive compensation to cover your medical expenses and other damages.
Newsome | Melton will take your case and fight to recover the damages you need and deserve. Call us today at 866-513-0846 for a free case review and consultation.