Understanding Concussions After An Accident
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. It can occur when any kind of external force strikes a person’s head. A concussion can also occur even if the head is not struck. For example, in some rear-end collisions a person’s head can be snapped back and forth (often termed whiplash) so violently that their brain impacts the bony edges of their skull causing microscopic injury to the brain.
For the most part, concussions are not fatal. However, if a person suffers from a concussion and appears normal, there still can be brain damage that can affect how that person focuses and thinks clearly. In some instances, concussions can cause serious, long-lasting problems with a person’s speaking, learning and overall movement capabilities.
Common Causes Of Concussions
There are endless amounts of ways in which someone can induce a hit to the head that’s hard enough to cause a concussion, but some of the more common causes include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Although all companies who manufacture cars have worked tirelessly to minimize the chances of brain injuries in cases of a collision, there still is not much any safety features can do when someone gets in a severe auto accident or isn’t wearing their seatbelt in a more minor accident.
- Slips and falls – A sight stumble or fall while casually walking in, for instance, a parking lot can lead to a concussion if you hit your head on the ground or some kind of hard object. Young children and elderly people are at a much higher risk of tripping, falling and suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury.
Concussion Symptoms
Identifying a concussion can be difficult, and it’s important to distinguish that a person does not need to lose consciousness at all to have a concussion, and concussions range in classifications from mild to severe. The amount of time that symptoms can last is largely connected to the injury’s severity, which means symptoms can last only a couple of hours up to months and even years.
A concussion technically involves the disruption in the normal electrical activities the in the brain. Symptoms of a concussion include
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Problems with coordination or balance
- Difficulty speaking or concentrating
- Behavior changes
- Feeling groggy
- Insomnia/sleep problems
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Many of these symptoms may not be noticed by the injured person or their doctors for days or even weeks after the initial injury.
Symptoms In Young Children
For young children, it can be harder to determine if they have suffered from a concussion, although they may exhibit some of the above symptoms. The following list is a sign of concussion symptoms for young children:
- Persistent headache
- Crying more than usual
- Changes in the way they act or play with friends
- Changes in how they sleep, eat or nurse
- More temper tantrums or being easily upset
- A sad mood
- Lack of interest in favorite toys or usual activities
- Loss of newer skills (ex. Toilet training)
- Trouble walking or with balance
- Trouble paying attention
Turning To An Established Indiana Legal Team
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Doehrman Buba Ring Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have an established reputation for our in-depth knowledge about head trauma and brain injuries. Partner Tom Doehrman has lectured extensively on this topic in areas including the following:
- Long-term effects of TBIs
- Medical care, brain injury therapies and rehab facilities
- How to handle the legal issues that arise during a brain injury case
- Pediatric brain injuries
- Guardianships and special needs trusts for brain injury victims
Contact Us To Learn More About Obtaining Compensation
If you are a loved one who suffered a concussion after a slip-and-fall accident or car accident, contact our team to discuss the accident and possible legal recourse options.
Call our office in Indianapolis at 317-669-9445 or send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our partners. We offer free consultations and serve all of Indianapolis.
Do you have questions about traumatic brain injuries? Find answers here.
