A concussion is a brain injury that results from the head being jolted suddenly, causing the brain to bump against the skull. Concussions can happen during the sudden impact of a car accident, contact with the ground or another object, and even from being shaken or whipped around too hard, such as on a roller coaster. While some concussions are mild and resolve quickly with few long-term impacts, others can leave a person with significant head trauma and lasting effects.
Most people know to watch for common signs of a concussion, including vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, or lapses in memory. However, there are lesser-known symptoms of a concussion that are also important to be aware of.
Persistent Headache
Having a headache after your head was jolted or bumped may not seem like a big deal at first, just like bumping your leg and feeling the pain – you might not realize how hard you hit your leg until a dark bruise shows up a few days later. Concussions can be similar in that you might not realize something is wrong until the headache does not go away.
If you have a headache after hitting your head, note where the pain is, how it feels, and how long it’s been since the initial injury. Concussion headaches are often described as being similar to migraines. It may be on one side of the head and come with pounding or throbbing pain, along with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. If the headache is so severe that it impedes your functioning or lasts for several days, it may be a concussion.
Feeling Unlike Yourself
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, and if your brain is trying to heal from physical trauma, you may feel “off” or like something is not right. For example, you may find yourself struggling to communicate, slurring words, having difficulty finding the correct words, or forgetting what you were talking about in the middle of a sentence. Depending on which part of your brain is affected by the concussion, auditory processing and speaking may be more difficult than usual.
Sleep can also be difficult after traumatic brain injuries. If you find yourself waking up more than usual or having difficulty falling asleep due to restlessness or pain, it may be time to visit a doctor for a possible concussion. Feeling especially tired, groggy, or “out of it,” or suddenly being more irritable or sad than usual could all be signs of a concussion.
Dizziness and Balance Issues
In the days and weeks following a head injury, you may notice yourself struggling to find your balance or feeling dizzy. This feeling could be constant or it could come and go; however, if it starts to affect how you go about your day or makes you feel unsafe performing certain tasks like cooking or driving, you may be concussed.
Does a Concussion Qualify for Civil Compensation?
If you have suffered a concussion, the recovery process can be frustrating and might involve medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Fortunately, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries if they were caused by the negligence of another person or entity. By driving recklessly or failing to take reasonable steps to mitigate slip and fall hazards, for example, someone else may have directly caused or contributed to your traumatic brain injury.
If you suspect that someone else may be responsible for your concussion, an expert attorney in your area can review the details of the incident and the resulting injury to determine whether there is a viable case for compensation. Contact Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. today for a free case evaluation.
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