Not all wounds are visible. One of the most common injuries associated with accidents (including traffic accident and on-the-job accidents, and slip and fall accidents) is the concussion, but they can be difficult to diagnose, especially since symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the incident. They can also be difficult to treat – and can have long-term and even permanent consequences that can affect your life for years to come.
In this post, we will take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of a concussion that you should look for both directly following a head injury as well as in the days and weeks afterward.
If you have suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by negligence, we urge you to contact Federal Way personal injury attorney Chong Ye today to learn more about how much your case may be worth: (253) 946-0577.
Could You Have Suffered A Concussion?
Concussions are a mild form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that often takes place when a person’s head is struck or violently shaken. While most people fully recover from a concussion, some can suffer long-term issues with memory, concentration, “seeing stars” and headaches. Suffering a series of concussions can also lead to long-term brain damage.
The immediate signs of a concussion are loss of consciousness, head pain, amnesia, and confusion. However, you can suffer a concussion without losing consciousness.
After the initial injury, signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches and migraines.
- Fatigue.
- Confusion and “brain fog.”
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Ear ringing and hearing issues.
- Slurred speech.
- Irritability.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Changes in behavior or erratic behavior.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances.
These issues could take a while to appear and can then last for days, weeks, or months after the accident depending on the seriousness of the injury.
Successful Concussion Diagnosis and Treatment
Because it is an invisible injury, it is extremely important to see a doctor after a head strike, such as banging your head during a car accident or fall, even if you don’t immediately feel the effects of a TBI and even if you did not lose consciousness. When visiting the doctor, be sure to report all symptoms and signs. If you go to the doctor and then begin displaying concussion symptoms afterward, return to the doctor to report your new symptoms.
Treatment for mild concussions is simply rest: stopping sports activities, limiting exposure to screens, and avoiding stress and over-stimulations. Pain relief and rehabilitation may also be involved in treatment.
Meet With A Federal Way Personal Injury Attorney Today
A concussion can be painful and lower your quality of life for months. It can also keep you from work for days or weeks–and cost you a significant amount in medical bills. If your concussion should have been prevented, or if it was caused by negligence, the responsible person or persons may be obligated to pay for these damages.
To learn more about your Washington personal injury case, contact The Ye Law Firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Send us an inquiry online or call us today: (253) 946-0577).