Accidents can happen in a variety of scenarios. Minus any immediate symptoms, such as broken bones, obvious bruises, or bleeding, you may be tempted to brush off any possible injuries you sustain as relatively minor and inconsequential. However, anytime an accident involves a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, it is important to be aware of the serious and possibly permanent damages it can cause. Concussions are one of the most common types of personal injuries and medical experts continue to uncover the serious ramifications these injuries can have on every area of a victims life.
Signs and Symptoms of Concussion
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), a concussion involves any type of injury to the head that disrupts the brains normal processes and functions. In cases of mild concussion, there may be no immediate or obvious outward signs symptoms. As a result, victims may be tempted to shrug off a bump or blow to the head, not reporting it or seeking the medical attention they need.
However, the AANS states that even a minor concussion is nothing to take lightly, as it can have long term impacts on your physical health and emotional wellbeing. Signs and symptoms to be alert for include:
- Loss of memory regarding the injury or confusion about the circumstances leading to the accident;
- Headaches and ringing in the ears;
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting;
- Dizziness and lack of coordination;
- Impaired sense of balance;
- Sensitivity to light and vision disturbances; and
- Increased agitation and distractibility.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
The AANS states that these symptoms can last for a period of weeks or even months, impairing the individual’s ability to work or engage in their normal activities. In cases where a victim may have suffered a previous mild concussion, the odds for long ranging and permanently disabling effects increase.
Post-concussion syndrome was initially discovered by sports doctors analyzing the frequent head injuries among pro football players. However, the research clearly indicated that this syndrome could impact other people who had suffered bumps or blows to the head and had little to do with the severity of the initial injury.
The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are largely the same as with a concussion. The difference is that these symptoms tend to be more severe and instead of lasting months, they can occur over the course of years. Post-concussion syndrome can result in damage to the brain’s structure and permanent impairments in thought processes, limiting the individual’s cognitive abilities and having profound changes in their personality.
Contact a San Jose Personal Injury Attorney for Help Today
At the Jachimowicz Law Group, we help victims of concussion and their families seek compensation to help them deal with the long term disabilities that can result from these injuries. If you have been in an accident that resulted in any type of bump or blow to the head, reach out and contact our dedicated San Jose personal injury attorneys online or call our office at our office to request a free consultation today.
Source:
https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Concussion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352
