Do You Have a Concussion?
Two injuries commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents are whiplash and concussion. Both of these injuries occur as a result of the head being sent forward and backward at high velocity, as happens when a car crashes into a fixed object, or when two vehicles hit one another. Because these types of injuries are not unusual, we sometimes dismiss them as insignificant, but both can have serious effects for the victim. While whiplash is a soft tissue injury, a concussion is actually a mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Concussions happen because this motion causes the brain to move around inside the skull; this damages the delicate cells and structures inside your brain, and can cause physical and chemical changes. If you have been involved in an accident, the effects of post-crash adrenaline may mask the symptoms of a mild TBI; you may not realize at first that you have sustained a concussion, and even medical providers may fail to diagnose it. Knowing what to look for can help you to get the treatment you need.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Loss of consciousness. Even a short loss of consciousness is a sign that you may have a serious concussion, and your medical providers should do testing to determine the extent of the injury.
- Seizures. Serious concussion is also indicated if seizures occur, and medical help should be sought immediately. Testing should be done on any victim who has had a seizure.
- Headaches. A classic sign of concussion is headache, which only makes sense following a blow to the head. Headaches may vary in intensity and duration.
- Dizziness or nausea. Vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light are all signs of concussion. If you have repeated vomiting, seek medical help, as this may indicate a blood clot caused by the injury.
- Double vision. Any vision problems should be reported to a medical professional.
- Ringing of the ears. This symptom indicates that you may have had a blow to the head, even if you don’t remember it.
- Insomnia. If you are having problems sleeping – or, conversely, if you’re sleeping too much – you might have sustained a concussion.
- Mood changes. If you feel emotions such as anger, irritation, anxiety that are out of character or unmanageable, they may be effects of a concussion. Depression can also be a result of a traumatic brain injury.
- Difficulty concentrating. If you’re unable to complete tasks at work or focus on reading material, or if you feel “slowed down,” a concussion may be the cause.
- Confusion or memory loss. The effects of a concussion can cause confusion or forgetfulness, or a kind of “mental fog.”
In small children, it can be more difficult to determine concussion, but signs that your baby or toddler is concussed include irritability or continuous crying, an interruption in sleep habits, vomiting, a bump or bruise on the head, or, specifically, crying when you move or adjust the baby’s head.
Recovering from a Concussion
Fortunately, most times the symptoms of a concussion appear within a week of the accident, and resolve within the three months following the accident. Rest is the most important factor in recovery, and it’s important that you give yourself time to heal; you will need a period of rest and quiet. Going back to work too soon or putting mental and/or physical demands on yourself can lead to a longer recovery time or further injury. And of course, avoiding another concussion is very important. Ask your doctor when you can resume activities such as driving or exercising. Don’t drink alcohol, and take only drugs prescribed by your doctor. Be kind to yourself, and patient.
Occasionally, concussion symptoms last longer than three months, and if you are experiencing this, you may be suffering from “post-concussion syndrome.” Experts have various theories about why some victims develop post-concussion syndrome, but it may be due to a combination of factors, including mild TBI, neck injuries, life stressors, and psychological trauma. For those who develop this syndrome, a variety of treatments can be tried, but unfortunately, this syndrome can affect patients’ professional and personal lives.
If you have suffered a concussion due to a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for compensation, and you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. These lawyers can help you file an insurance claim and/or to take legal action. In Ontario, an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer is usually provided free of charge. Before visiting a lawyer, make detailed notes about the accident, including everything you can remember plus contact information for any witnesses. Also list the names and contact information of all medical professionals who treated your injuries, and all treatments and medications that were prescribed.
Contact a personal injury law firm today and learn more about the options available to you.