Concussions are brain injuries caused by trauma to the head, usually associated with motor vehicle collisions, sports injuries, and falls. In addition to blunt trauma, concussions can also occur when the brain is “jostled around” in the head. For example, the brain may move back-and-forth in the head during a violent, high-impact car crash even if the head remains untouched. Concussions are often classified as “mild” brain injuries because they are usually non-fatal. However, complications arising from concussions can be extremely serious.
Emergency departments see more than 2.5 million concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most challenging aspect of treating a concussion, and identifying the exact cause, is that concussions often don’t appear for days, weeks, or even months following the injury. This is why it is so important to get immediate medical attention following a high-impact accident, or one involving direct trauma to the head. Symptoms can be temporary, or they can be permanent.
Concussions and Car Crashes
Auto accidents are one of the most common causes of concussions suffered by Americans. In fact, according to the CDC, approximately 14 percent of annual concussions are the result of motor vehicle accidents. That means about 286,000 concussions are caused by car accidents every year. And even low speed accidents can damage the brain. If you’ve been involved in even a minor fender bender, it’s in your best interest to seek immediate medical attention. Research shows that concussions can cause long term issues related to memory and cognitive processes. Contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
Concussion Symptoms
The following symptoms can be the result of serious health complications following trauma to the head. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Body numbness
- Loss of coordination
- Prolonged nausea with repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Extreme drowsiness
- Inability to remember people or places
- Different sized pupils
- Seizures
- Increasing confusion or unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness
Concussion Categories
If you have recently been involved in any type of accident involving head trauma, seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important following a motor vehicle accident. You may feel fine, but symptoms may not appear for weeks, at which point irreversible damage may have occurred. Concussion symptoms typically fall into four categories. These are:
- Thinking and processing: When a concussion victim has thinking and processing complications, symptoms can manifest as difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly. Memory issues and a general “slow” feeling are also common.
- Physical: These symptoms present as physical ailments, such as nausea, dizziness, chronic headaches, and blurry vision. Physical symptoms also include trouble balancing, sensitivity to bright lights, and a general sense of fatigue.
- Emotion based: When a concussion victim experiences emotion-based symptoms, he or she may feel depressed, irritable, anxious, or just moody. If you’ve recently experienced head trauma and you are experiencing increased or intense emotions since the accident, seek medical attention immediately. The emotions may be unrelated to the accident, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Sleep-related: Following a concussion, a person may experience sleep-related issues, such as sleeping more than normal, less than normal, or having trouble falling asleep. If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Personal Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured in any type of accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. If another’s negligence has caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Before moving forward, we will analyze the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy and will ensure that you understand your rights and options. Our experienced attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. We will position you for the best possible outcome and will be by your side every step of the way. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.