A concussion can occur if you are involved in an accident and hit your head. It may also happen even if you don’t hit your head but your brain still absorbs force from an impact. For example, if you whip your head forward and back quickly, the brain may hit the inside of the skull.
In either case, a concussion may develop. Concussions aren’t usually life-threatening injuries, but they can cause all kinds of symptoms that may make you feel uncomfortable. Some of the more serious symptoms may need immediate medical attention.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury. A concussion is usually a mild traumatic brain injury, but it can cause serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms in some cases. Concussions can happen because of falls, car crashes, sports and other activities.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
A concussion has varied symptoms depending on the part of the brain that has been affected. Generally speaking, some of the symptoms that occur include:
- Confusion
- Memory loss/memory problems
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Slowed reaction times
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Problems with balance
- Seizures
- Unequal pupil size
- Slurred speech
Symptoms don’t always come on right away. Sometimes, they take days or weeks to develop. In some rare cases, symptoms may begin months after an injury.
When should someone see a medical professional about a concussion?
Any time a head injury is suspected, it’s important to see a medical professional for an exam. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe, you should still seek medical attention. This is because concussions are often accompanied by spinal injuries, which may be serious. Brain injuries may also develop over time as the brain swells or bleeding occurs, so the initial symptoms may continue to worsen over the next few days or weeks. Seeking medical help early on will help minimize the impact of those symptoms and control any dangerous complications that occur.
If you suffer a head injury in an accident, you should seek medical care immediately. Doing this may help you prevent further injury and complications. Then, you can ask that the person at fault for your accident covers your expenses through a personal injury claim.