Indications of Concussion After an Accident

Indications of Concussion After an Accident

Concussions are serious injuries that can be difficult to detect. In 2018, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a concussion blood test, but as the Chicago Tribune reported, it has some concerning limitations. Because medical professionals are wary about the accuracy of such tests, they recommend that you still watch out for other symptoms of a concussion if you suffer head injuries in an accident.

Impacts of a Concussion

In a healthy person, the brain is surrounded by fluid and protective membranes, and encased in the strong bones of the skull. When someone suffers a violent blow to the head, this protection may not be enough to prevent trauma to the brain. A concussion is the result of the brain making contact with the skull, causing bruising and bleeding. In more serious cases, there may actually be tearing or twisting of the nerve tissues. The impact interrupts the brain’s meticulous chemical balance and affects the delicate brain cells.

Tips on Spotting a Concussion After an Accident

The easiest signs to spot a concussion are losing consciousness or experiencing amnesia regarding the trauma. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches;
• Confusion and disorientation;
• Light-headedness and dizziness;
• A ringing in the ears;
• Blurred or uneven vision;
• Nausea, with or without vomiting;
• Slurred speech;
• Fatigue; and,
• Any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.

Delayed Symptoms

Some victims of a head injury may not experience signs of concussion for hours or days after the initial trauma of an accident, so the concussion blood test may be useful in such cases. Still, with some providers at odds over the accuracy of the test, you should still monitor your health and seek treatment for such health issues as:

• Problems with concentration and memory;
• Mood swings or changes in personality, including irritability, anger, anxiety, or depression;
• Sensitivity to normal levels of light or sound;
• Difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently; and,
• Changes to other senses, including smells and tastes.

Regardless of whether you notice signs of concussion immediately or after an accident, you should visit your doctor. Many times, these symptoms will clear up and you will not require any substantial medical treatment. However, when the health issues persist, they can cause long-term effects. Cognitive function may deteriorate for concussion victims, especially younger children. In addition, keep in mind that the indications of concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI) may overlap. A TBI is extremely serious, and may even be life-threatening.

Consult with an Experienced Lawyer if You Sustained Head Injuries in an Accident

The recently approved blood test may be useful in diagnosing concussion, but it is not a cure for this serious type of head injury. As a victim, you do have rights if another person’s negligence caused your accident, so talk to a skilled Chicago head injuries attorney about your legal options. Our legal team at SAM LAW OFFICE LLC can provide information, so please contact our Schaumburg office to schedule a free consultation.