A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain shifts violently inside the skull due to a jolt, bump, or blow. Though these types of injuries are often referred to as “mild TBIs,” a concussion can have lasting impacts on your health and quality of life, especially when the symptoms linger or go untreated.
Concussions are common in car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and other sudden-impact situations. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available can help you take the right steps after sustaining such an injury.
Common Causes Of Concussions
A concussion happens when the victim’s brain collides with the inside of their skull. This can take place in the following types of situations:
- Vehicle accidents
- Falls from significant heights
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sports injuries, particularly from contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
- Workplace accidents involving head trauma
These brain injuries can be difficult to detect, especially when there’s no loss of consciousness or visible wound. Yet even without external signs, your brain could still be affected.
Concussion Signs And Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can vary widely in form and severity. They may appear quickly or take hours or days to show up. Common indications include:
- Headache or intense pressure in the head
- Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
- Extreme confusion or difficulty focusing
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Memory issues or amnesia
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or fatigue
- Changes in mood, such as being unusually irritable or anxious
Some people describe the sensation of a concussion as feeling dazed or “foggy-headed.” In children, the signs could be subtler, such as changes in appetite or increased fussiness.
Always seek medical attention after a head injury. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve within about two weeks, it could point to a more serious issue.
Long-Term Effects Of Concussions
While most people recover from mild concussions within a few weeks, some individuals experience long-term symptoms known as post-concussion syndrome. These issues often interfere with work, school, and day-to-day activities.
Experiencing multiple concussions, especially in a short time frame, can also increase the risk of:
- Cognitive impairments
- Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety
- Chronic headaches, migraines, or vertigo (dizziness)
- Sensory processing disorders
- Early-onset dementia or degenerative brain diseases, in rare cases
It’s vitally important to avoid further head trauma while recovering. Returning to sports, physically demanding jobs, or driving too soon could lead to second-impact syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.
Diagnosing And Treating Mild TBIs
Most concussions can be diagnosed based on the symptoms presented during a clinical evaluation. Additional brain imaging methods, such as CT scans or MRIs, generally aren’t necessary unless there are red flags like symptoms that indicate internal bleeding or swelling.
Treatment usually involves:
- Physical rest
- Avoiding screens (TV, computer monitors, phones, etc.), loud noises, and strenuous activity of any kind
- Gradually resuming normal routines under medical supervision
- Taking medication for symptoms like headaches/migraines or nausea
Recovery times can vary based on injury severity and overall health. Children, older adults, and those with a history of brain injuries may need additional time to heal.
Preventing Concussions
Not every concussion is preventable. However, you can reduce the risk to yourself and your loved ones by implementing some basic safety measures:
- Wear a helmet while biking, riding motorcycles, and playing contact sports.
- Always use a seat belt every time you’re in a vehicle.
- Install grab bars and non-slip mats at home to help prevent falls.
- Supervise children during physical activity.
- Follow safety guidelines while working in areas that pose a high head injury risk.
If you play contact sports, follow your care team’s return-to-play protocols after a concussion.
Seeking Compensation For A Concussion Injury
You may be eligible for compensation if you suffered a concussion because of someone else’s negligence. Florida’s personal injury laws allow injured individuals to pursue a claim for both economic and non-economic damages.
Your recoverable compensation may include:
- Medical bills and coverage for ongoing treatment
- Income lost during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress
If the concussion was due to a car crash, pedestrian accident, work-related event, or mishap on someone else’s property, proving liability will be essential. Evidence like medical records, police or accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photos from the accident scene can help strengthen your case.
Get Help With Your Concussion Injury Case
A concussion can affect every aspect of your life. It’s imperative to protect your health and legal rights, especially if the injury arose due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
At Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we help Fort Walton Beach residents recover fair compensation to heal and move forward with their lives. Contact our Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers today at (850) 863-5297 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
