Why It Is Critical to Take Head Injuries Seriously After an Accident

National Concussion Awareness Day began in 2016. It was founded by Brooke Mills, who sustained a concussion while she was a freshman in high school. The purpose of the organization is to advance public discourse on the topic and to raise awareness of the importance of recognizing and treating concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. This is especially relevant for anyone who has been injured in an accident.

In particular, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of concussions and brain injuries. According to one scientific study in Taylor & Francis, “TBIs from motor vehicle crashes were estimated to result in 218,936 emergency department (ED) visits, 56,864 hospitalizations, and 16,402 deaths annually.” Falls are another major cause of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. It is critical to take any concussion seriously. Any person that sustains a concussion should seek a medical evaluation and explore their legal options with an experienced Orange County brain injury attorney.

Recognizing the Signs of a Concussion

Concussions are often referred to as “invisible injuries.” In the vast majority of cases, there are no outward signs that a person has sustained a concussion. For that reason, it is important for accident victims to recognize the signs of these injuries.

Physical Symptoms: There are many physical symptoms associated with a concussion. This includes headaches, nausea, fatigue, and memory problems.
Cognitive Symptoms: Victims of concussions may also experience confusion, trouble concentrating, and slowed reaction times.
Emotional Symptoms: A concussion can also lead to significant behavioral changes. Many people experience depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.

Victims should seek medical aid as soon as possible after experiencing any concussion. Certain symptoms can be much more worrying than others. In particular, victims may experience continued vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, or severe drowsiness. These could be signs of a life-threatening condition.

The Medical Consequences of Concussions

There is a tendency in the public to downplay the severity of concussions. Even victims will often say that everything is fine. But there are a number of serious medical consequences that can arise or worsen as a result of a concussion.

Concentration and Learning: A concussion can be particularly consequential for students and workers. They may have trouble focusing at school or work. Sleep disturbances as a result of the injury can further exacerbate these problems.
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Victims of concussions may experience symptoms for several weeks or even months. This can be both highly bothersome and disruptive to a person’s life.
Increased Sensitivity: Many people who sustain concussions can become very sensitive to light, noise, and anything that could potentially overstimulate their brain.
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): When a person sustains a concussion, they are already in a fragile state. If they sustain a second concussion before the first one heals, this could cause a life-threatening medical condition.

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are also positively linked to an increased risk of developing numerous neurodegenerative illnesses. For example, a brain injury can lead to or worsen Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Dementia and Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Why Early Treatment Matters After a Concussion

Early treatment and rest are critical after any concussion. According to the Mayo Clinic, “In the first couple of days after a concussion, relative rest allows your brain to recover. Healthcare professionals recommend that you physically and mentally rest during this time.” Here are just a few of the reasons that early treatment can make a difference after any concussion.

Preventing Further Injury: Early treatment and rest can help prevent additional injuries. This will often involve taking a break from sports, work, and other daily activities.
Detecting Problems Early: Early treatment can help healthcare workers rule out potentially life-threatening medical conditions such as brain bleeding.
Preventing Long-Term Complications: Early treatment can help reduce the risk of long-term complications. Without early treatment, victims may be left with chronic headaches, cognitive impairment, or other serious complications.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution and take any concussion seriously. When this injury is the result of negligence, victims may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Protecting Your Rights After an Accident

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been impacted by concussions across California and around the world. Our law firm has witnessed firsthand how harmful these injuries can be. Any person that sustains a concussion should take it seriously and seek medical intervention as soon as possible.