Medically, a concussion can occur when a physical trauma causes the brain to hit the sides of the skull, leading to a disruption or interruption of normal brain activities. Hollywood, as well as the media, have helped to perpetuate misinformation about these injuries which may lead victims to underestimate the severity of the situation. The reality is that all concussions are brain injuries that must be taken seriously. If you have experienced a head or neck injury and think you may have a concussion, it is vital to see a doctor immediately. Below, our blog discusses the information you should know about concussions.
- There are no “mild” brain injuries: Although medically, the description of “mild” can be used for the classification of an injury, do not let that fool you into thinking that there is no need to take action. ALL brain injuries have the potential for severe damage and must be treated with the utmost respect. If you have experienced head trauma, it is vital to visit a doctor as soon as possible. The more time which passes without medical treatment, the greater the risk of permanent injury becomes.
- Symptoms of a concussion: Although every situation will be different, generally the signs of a concussion can include headaches, nausea or vomiting, uncharacteristic mood swings, or a reduction of sensations. For those who are unfamiliar with concussions, it may be difficult to recognize the pattern of symptoms and some may attribute their ill-feelings to a bad headache or cold.
- The severity is not always obvious: An aspect of brain injuries which can make them especially dangerous is that the full extent of damages may not be immediately apparent. This may lead victims to believe that they are okay and do not need medical care. Symptoms may continue to develop and present themselves weeks or even months after an accident. Only a doctor can properly diagnose a condition and recommend treatment.
- You do not need to lose consciousness: Another dangerous myth about concussions is that the victim must lose consciousness. While the loss of consciousness is a common result of a head trauma, it is not a requirement or an indication that a concussion has occurred. In addition, when a loss of consciousness does occur, victims may not always be aware due to confusion or because it happens quickly.
- Concussions can last for weeks: No two injuries are the same and various factors can influence the time needed for a person to recover from a head trauma. With proper treatment, less severe symptoms may go away after only a few days. In more severe cases symptoms can last for weeks and if left untreated, can lead to permanent brain damage.
Suffered a Brain Injury? Contact an Attorney
If you suffered a concussion through no fault of your own, you may be able to seek monetary restitution. Lost wages and medical costs can quickly pile up and you should not be made to pay for the negligence of another person. At Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A., our Toledo personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $50 million for past clients and know how to work to maximize your potential compensation. Questions about your brain injury claim? Call (419) 719-5195 and schedule a free consultation.