Concussion awareness has increased tremendously in recent years, mainly due to neurological research involving professional athletes who play contact sports, such as football or soccer. This research has connected repeated concussions with other serious side effects, like chronic headaches, bouts of depression and early-onset dementia.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a brain injury is important for several reasons. First and foremost, prompt medical attention can improve the chances of a full recovery and prevent further complications. Additionally, if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the injured person may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. By understanding the signs and symptoms of a brain injury, individuals can take the necessary steps to protect their health and legal rights.
Head injuries and their consequences
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by force to or around the head. Many simply describe a concussion as a “brain bruise,” but the nature of the injury can be far more complex.
First responders or physicians may initially classify traumatic brain injuries as mild, moderate, or severe. However, these terms are becoming increasingly outdated and can be misleading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still uses these terms but provides important qualifications.
The classifications of mild, moderate, or severe TBI only refer to the initial presentation of symptoms and do not necessarily predict long-term outcomes. Using these terms without clarification can oversimplify the complexity of brain injuries and potentially trivialize their impact. Even so-called mild traumatic brain injury or head injuries should be considered serious.
The important thing to remember is that the initial diagnosis doesn’t always align with the prognosis. A patient diagnosed with a so-called mild TBI, such as a concussion, may experience symptoms that persist for years or even worsen over time.
Can you have a brain injury without contact?
Those who have ever been involved in a rear-end collision can attest to the head-snapping jolt that typically occurs when one is suddenly and unsuspectingly struck from behind by a speeding vehicle. Even if the head never makes contact with anything, a concussion can still be sustained. The violent “whiplash” movement can cause the brain to slam against the skull, nerves to tear, and ligaments in the neck to stretch. These injuries can combine to disrupt the brain’s normal chemistry, possibly affecting one’s memory or ability to concentrate and learn.
Do all concussions involve a loss of consciousness?
Diagnosis of concussions can be challenging for physicians because the symptoms can vary amongst individuals or take time to become evident. Many who suffer from a concussion fail to report it because they (or their family members) do not recognize the warning signs.
Consequently, their recoveries are unnecessarily delayed or complicated because they did not receive the treatment that they needed. Some mistakenly believe that a person must be “knocked out” or lose consciousness to sustain a concussion. To combat the misconceptions and miseducation surrounding brain injuries, here are some symptoms to look out for in the days that follow the injury:
Concussion symptoms
- Persistent headache
- Vertigo-like symptoms (dizziness, nausea, blurry vision)
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Ringing in ears
- Concentration problems (forgetfulness, inability to focus at work or school)
- Overwhelming fatigue
Imaging techniques like MRIs and CT scans are not typically used to diagnose concussions. Instead, they are employed to identify other injuries, such as intracranial bleeding. Diagnosing a head injury relies heavily on reported and observed symptoms and behaviors rather than visual confirmation of brain damage.
Family members, friends, and colleagues can serve an extremely important role in assisting with the diagnosis of concussions because, unlike doctors, they have the unique perspective of knowing how the injured person acted before the head trauma occurred.
Traumatic brain injury symptoms
The following signs should be reported if observed:
- Significant changes in personality, mood, or behavior (sadness, anxiety, etc.)
- Confusion (unable to find words during conversation; memory issues)
- Decreased coordination
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Weakness or numbness in fingers or toes
- Convulsions or seizures
If any of these “red flags” are noted after a traumatic event, the injured person should get immediate emergency medical care.
Potential long-term consequences of concussion
Concussions should always be considered a serious injury. Especially when repeated or severe, concussions can lead to various neurological disorders that may persist long after the initial injury. Some of the potential neurological disorders associated with concussions include:
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): PCS is a complex disorder in which concussion symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive problems, persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial injury.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease that is associated with repeated head traumas, such as concussions. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and eventually, progressive dementia.
An important distinction is that CTE is not necessarily caused by repeated concussions but by repeated microtraumas. Individuals who have never experienced a concussion can still develop CTE. For example, football players who experience frequent jarring impacts during gameplay may not suffer concussions but could still be at risk for the microtraumas that lead to CTE.
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): SIS is a rare but potentially fatal condition that occurs when a person sustains a second concussion before the symptoms of the first concussion have resolved. This can cause rapid and severe brain swelling.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Concussions have been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders, possibly due to the effects of the injury on brain chemistry and function.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Some studies suggest that a history of concussions may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia later in life.
Parkinson’s Disease: Research has indicated a potential link between concussions and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Concussions in children have been associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Not everyone who suffers a concussion will develop these disorders, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term neurological consequences of concussions. However, these potential risks underscore the importance of preventing, recognizing, and properly treating concussions.
Contact Allen & Allen to file a personal injury claim after an accident with severe injuries
The attorneys at Allen & Allen are here to use our knowledge of the law and experience to protect all who are injured due to the negligence of others. If you have been injured due to someone else’s recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Allen & Allen understand the complexities of brain injury cases and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected. Contact Allen & Allen today for a free consultation to discuss your case and let our knowledgeable team be your advocate on the road to recovery. Call our brain injury attorneys today at 866-772-1384 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
