Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly dangerous. Even mild brain injuries can result in long-term damage for victims. Most people are unaware that concussions are considered to be the mildest type of traumatic brain injury.

Even though they’re classified as “mild” traumatic brain injuries, concussions are very serious and demand immediate medical attention.

Some of the signs and symptoms of concussions don’t appear immediately. For the sake of your immediate well-being and long-term health, you should always seek medical attention after a head injury.

If you or a loved one has sustained a head injury in an accident, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. It’s imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable tort lawyer to pursue financial damages following an accident that results in a brain injury.

Common Causes of Concussions

In most instances, traumatic brain injuries are caused by a forceful blow or impact to the head. However, brain damage can also occur due to a jolt to the person’s body.

Concussions are common in the following circumstances:

These are only a few examples of situations in which concussions are possible. Any type of accident involving a significant impact could potentially result in a brain injury.

Typical Concussion Symptoms

Every concussion is different. Because of this, accident victims may be uncertain about which symptoms are the result of a mild traumatic brain injury.

Some typical concussion symptoms include:

  • Dizziness
  • Cognitive impairment, including difficulty thinking or “brain fog”
  • Memory problems or inability to retain new information
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of balance
  • Chronic or severe headaches
  • Irritability or shifts in mood
  • Heightened emotional responses
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Difficulty getting to sleep
  • Unusual sleep patterns

Depending on the nature of your injury, you may experience any number of these symptoms. Some of them may come and go over time, while others may be persistent.

If you’ve sustained a blow to the head, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, regardless of how mild your symptoms may be. Even if you don’t exhibit any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s still a good idea to consult with a physician just to be safe.

Signs and Symptoms of Delayed Concussions

The majority of concussions present symptoms shortly after the inciting incident. But this isn’t always the case.

Concussion symptoms may be imperceptible at first. In some cases, you may notice very mild symptoms immediately following the incident or none at all. Evidence of damage may begin to appear days or even weeks later as your brain begins to heal.

Some of the most common symptoms of delayed concussions include:

  • Memory issues
  • Severe headaches
  • Inability to stay asleep
  • Fatigue

Most concussions present symptoms for up to a month after the initial damage. When victims experience these symptoms for more than a month, they may have what’s known as “post-concussion syndrome.”

Medical researchers hypothesize that post-concussion syndrome is the result of the brain undergoing long-term structural changes stemming from the injury. It’s a sensitive condition that may affect the victim for a year or longer — potentially even the rest of their life.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion due to someone else’s negligent behavior, don’t wait around, hoping it will get better. Get in touch with a qualified personal injury attorney to review your legal options and pursue the financial compensation you need to cover your resulting medical, financial, and personal losses.

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please call Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900