Craig Rosenbaum | November 15, 2023 | Brain Injuries
Trauma to the head and neck can result in traumatic brain injuries, of which concussions are some of the most common. While you might think a concussion produces immediate symptoms, that’s not always the case. Therefore, getting medical care after an accident is key to getting the right treatment.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is one of the most common types of brain injuries. It affects the way the brain functions. Typically, concussions are caused by a significant impact or blow to the head.
The brain is one of the most important organs in the brain, and it’s protected by the skull and cushioned by spinal fluid. When you suffer a substantial movement to the head or neck, it could cause the brain to shift within the skull. As a result, your brain function may suffer from the injury to the brain itself.
A concussion can result in several symptoms. While many are short-lived and victims of concussions recover, these symptoms can be unpleasant. If left untreated, a concussion can cause other medical issues.
Causes of Concussion Injuries
Concussion injuries can happen for many reasons. However, unlike a cut or a bruise that a person may cause on their own, many concussions are brought on by a third party’s wrongful actions.
Brain injuries like concussions are often the result of some sort of accident, like car, truck, or bicycle accidents. Slip and fall accidents can also cause injury to the brain.
It’s important to determine the cause of your concussion. If another person’s actions resulted in your injuries, you may have the opportunity to hold them accountable.
Common Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Concussions can produce a wide variety of symptoms.
Some of the more common signs of a concussion include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
When a person suffers through a traumatic event like a car accident, it’s critical to seek medical care right away. Determining whether an accident victim has suffered a concussion is crucial to start treating the injury right away.
Why Are Some Concussion Symptoms Delayed?
Many concussion symptoms are evident immediately after a blow to the head. A person may be “off,” and it may be evident that something is not right. However, not all signs of a concussion begin right away.
The effects of a concussion injury may not begin to affect a person until several days after their injury. Additionally, some symptoms may be subtle, so a concussion victim and loved ones may not put two and two together immediately.
Some of the common delayed symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches
- Brain fog or cognitive difficulties
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Difficulty remembering or paying attention
- Emotional instability
These symptoms may not immediately point to a concussion. For this reason, it’s vital to seek medical care very soon after you’ve suffered a serious event like an accident. A medical professional can examine you to rule out a concussion. If you have suffered a brain injury, they can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Delayed Treatment of Concussions Can Result in Complications
Seeking prompt medical attention after an accident can help prevent further complications. If you’ve suffered a concussion and it goes untreated for some time, you could face certain long-term effects, including persistent headaches, brain fog, and dizziness. In the most unfortunate circumstances, an untreated concussion can be fatal.
If you have sustained a concussion caused by another’s wrongful actions, make sure to seek legal guidance from a local personal injury attorney. A lawyer can provide quality advice and direction regarding your case and determine the best way to pursue justice for your injuries.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.
Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
100 Wall St 15th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007