The Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Concussions typically occur from a blow or violent shaking of the head. During a concussive accident, the brain bounces or rapidly moves back and forth colliding with the inside of the skull.
The most common causes of concussions are falls and motor vehicle accidents.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?
It is imperative to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion in the aftermath of an accident. This may prevent further brain injury due to delayed diagnosis.
Symptoms of concussions may appear as any of the following:
- A headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Neck pain
- Fatigue
Whether or not a victim exhibits the signs and symptoms of a concussion, any head injury needs immediate examination by a medical professional. Only a trained professional can accurately diagnose a concussion and recommend necessary follow-up care.
With medical care, a concussion may resolve within two to three weeks.
What is a Delayed Concussion?
A delayed concussion is not a concussion that occurs after an accident. Rather, it is a concussion with symptoms that appear with time. A delayed concussion could take minutes, days, or weeks to present in an accident victim.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Delayed Concussion?
An accident victim, their friends, and family must be vigilant and watch for the signs and symptoms of a delayed concussion in the weeks following an accident.
Some of these may include:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Vertigo
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Moodiness or irritability
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Uneven pupil size
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurred or double vision
- Changes to smell or taste
While these signs and symptoms may appear gradually and fade over time, they must not be ignored. A delayed concussion is a traumatic brain injury and can result in life-altering consequences if untreated.
A neurologist may order a CT scan or MRI to diagnose bleeding in the skull, brain swelling, or spinal cord injury.
Risk Factors for Delayed Concussions
Some groups of people are more prone to concussions and delayed concussions.
These are:
- Older people
- Children four and under
- Adolescents who bike and participate in sports
- Military personnel
- Anyone involved in a car accident
- Victims of physical abuse
- Those with prior concussions
Adolescents are further at-risk because their necks and brains are still developing.
Get Dallas Delayed Concussion Help Today
Predicting accidents is impossible. Always take safety precautions when using ladders, scaffolding, and operating a motor vehicle. If you or your loved one do suffer a head injury, seek medical help right away.
If you suspect your delayed concussion was the result of a preventable accident, speak with an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers today. Our Dallas delayed concussion attorneys are committed to representing you throughout the legal process.
Get the help and knowledge you need from a skilled delayed concussion attorney today by calling Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers now.