Brain Injuries: What You Need to Know About Concussions
Concussions have received plenty of press in recent years for the reason that they are serious brain injuries that can have significant health consequences. While – in the past – concussions were often viewed as being fairly innocuous, this is hardly the case, and every concussion should be taken seriously. When it comes to concussions, it’s important to know the facts. In addition, victims should be sure to have their case reviewed by a Tustin car accident attorney in order to determine whether they’re entitled to compensation.
What’s a concussion?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that is usually caused by a blow to the head – a common occurrence in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and sports-related accidents (like those associated with high school football). A concussion is a form of TBI. Because these injuries affect the way your brain functions, they can lead to a variety of significant consequences, including severe headaches, balance and coordination problems, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, these symptoms could last for weeks or even months, preventing victims from working or going to school.
How serious are concussions?
Because concussions are on the milder end of the TBI spectrum, some people regard them as relatively minor injuries.. This, however, is far from the truth. Concussions, in fact, frequently present serious health risks that require immediate medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares that most TBIs are concussions and that TBIs play a role in almost a third of all injury-related fatalities in the United States. These statistics serve as a grim reminder of just how serious a concussion can be.
How do I know if I have a concussion?
Concussions are made more dangerous by the fact that they can be silent injuries that don’t present with symptoms until they become more serious and, thus, more difficult to treat. If you’ve been involved in an accident, there are several symptoms associated with concussions that you should be on the lookout for:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Sudden overwhelming fatigue
- Sudden inability to concentrate
- Ringing in the ears
- Issues with balance
If you’ve been in an accident that involved a bump to your head, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention. If you’ve been involved in an accident and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Every concussion is a potentially serious concussion.
Could my child have a concussion?
Children – especially young children – aren’t always able to accurately articulate how they’re feeling (or to specify any changes in sensations they may be experiencing). If your child has suffered an injury on the playground or the playing field, seek medical attention. Early diagnosis is strongly correlated with better outcomes.
If Someone Else’s Negligence Has Left You with a Concussion, Schedule a Free Consultation with the Law Office of Gary Peterson Today
If you’ve been in an accident – whether it’s a vehicular accident, a slip and fall accident, or a sports-related accident – that was caused by the negligence of someone else, first, seek medical attention and then obtain experienced legal guidance. At the Law Office of Gary A. Peterson in California, we’re here to help. Mr. Peterson has the experience, dedication, and compassion to help guide your claim toward the compensation to which you’re entitled. To schedule a free case evaluation, please contact or call us at 714-461-6003 today.