The brain is a complex organ, and as such, it can cause serious health problems when damaged. Concussions may seem like a common enough injury, and because they occur somewhat frequently, not everyone sees them for the serious injuries that they are. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Concussions can be very dangerous, especially if they’re left untreated and unmonitored. In some cases, concussions can lead to lasting brain damage, memory loss, and worse.
In order to avoid suffering from lasting concussion-related injuries, make sure you know how to identify the symptoms of a concussion and find out what you should do to obtain proper medical treatment.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury or MTBI, that occurs when someone suffers a blow to the head or a violent shake to the body, subsequently causing the head to rattle. As many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the US annually, though nearly half of those concussions may go unreported. Although a concussion is categorized as a “mild” traumatic brain injury, every head injury is serious and has the potential to cause serious harm. A concussion should always be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional, no matter the circumstances.
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness and nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Moodiness or behavioral changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Sleepiness
- Slow response times
- Vomiting
If notice someone exhibiting any of these symptoms after suffering a blow to the head or a harsh shake or shove, take that person to the hospital immediately, or call 911. Medical professionals can treat concussions, even if the injuries are mild. To rule out more severe brain damage or trauma, the doctor should order X-rays, MRIs, and other scans to check the injured individual for bleeding, swelling, and other severe brain injuries.
Potential Dangers Associated with Concussions
Anyone can experience a traumatic brain injury, including a concussion, though the most susceptible demographics include persons over 75 years of age and young children. Head injuries can occur under any circumstances, but there are a few causes that come up more frequently. By familiarizing yourself with these common causes, you may be able to protect yourself from a potential injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most head injuries are caused by:
- Being struck by or against an object
- Falls
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Self-harm
- Sports-related injuries
Because so many people think that concussions are inconsequential, they may go untreated, which can lead to lasting damage. If you or someone you love suffered a concussion due to someone else’s mistake or negligence, our firm may be able to help you seek justice and maximum compensation for your accident.
Contact the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli to discuss your concussion case with our attorney.