Car accidents are one of the leading causes of head injuries. Unfortunately, many people are not initially aware that they have suffered a head injury such as a concussion due to the often subtle and delayed symptoms. However, it’s crucial to know what symptoms to look out for to ensure you receive the treatment you need to prevent further complications. Please continue reading to learn what symptoms you should look out for and how a compassionate Chesterfield County Car Accident Lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve endured.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects a person’s brain chemistry. This injury usually occurs when a person suffers a blow to the head or a hit to the body, causing the brain to move rapidly back and forth, coming into contact with the skull. This TBI commonly occurs from falls, sports, and car accidents. At the moment of impact in a car accident, your brain is violently shaken, causing it to bounce around inside your head, where it can sustain bleeding, tearing, or bruising of nerve fibers. A concussion can occur if you hit your head against the part of the vehicle, like the steering wheel or window. Although concussions are typically not life-threatening, the effects on your brain function can be severe. The severity of a concussion is categorized according to the following grading system:
- Grade 1: No loss of consciousness, but experienced temporary amnesia for less than 3o minutes.
- Grade 2: Loss of consciousness for less than five minutes or amnesia for between 30 and 24 hours.
- Grade 3: Loss of consciousness for more than five minutes or amnesia for more than 24 hours.
As mentioned above, many victims are unaware that they are suffering from a concussion after an accident. This is because the symptoms can be subtle and may not occur immediately. However, knowing what symptoms to look out for can help you avoid the long-term complications of this TBI. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a collision, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble with sleep
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble with concentrating and memory
- Personality changes or irritability
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome After a Car Accident?
If you suspect that you have a concussion following a car accident, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to ensure you receive the treatment and care you need. Without prompt treatment, you risk further complications. Ultimately, delaying treatment can increase the risk of experiencing repeat concussions, which can exacerbate the intensity and duration of your symptoms.
After a car accident, you can develop post-concussion syndrome. This disorder can lead to various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial car accident. Unfortunately, these symptoms can affect you in many ways, including how your body and brain function. Therefore, if something doesn’t feel right after you’ve suffered a concussion, visit a healthcare professional.
If you’ve suffered a concussion in a car accident due to a negligent driver, please don’t hesitate to contact the Cockrell Law Firm, P.C., to discuss your case and learn how we can help you attain the maximum compensation you’re entitled to for your losses.
