Delayed Concussion Symptoms
One of the first questions we ask a new client following a car accident is, “Did you suffer a concussion and/or have any post-concussion symptoms?” If you believe you suffered any traumatic brain injury, even a mild traumatic brain injury, you should immediately go to the hospital or another medical profession. Traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening.
According to Mayo Clinic, a concussion is a form of brain injury that has an effect on an individual’s brain function. Often, concussion effects are temporary. However, effects from a concussion can also be permanent. For example, a concussion can permanently damage brain tissues and cause metabolic, physical, and chemical changes. If this happens, the brain will not be able to operate correctly. Usually, concussions are caused by a bump to the head. However, violently shaking of the head and upper body can also cause a concussion. A coup-countercoup injury occurs on the opposite side of the brain where the impact occurs from your head being “whipped” back and forth (i.e. whiplash). If you were in an accident that involved your head getting hit or the shaking of your head and upper body, you need to watch out for delayed concussion symptoms if you still have not experienced any symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms of a concussion do not occur until hours or even days after an injury.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include headache, loss of memory (amnesia), and confusion. Usually, when a person suffers amnesia after sustaining a concussion, they forget about the event that caused their injury. Other symptoms of concussion include;
- Nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of Balance
- Dizziness
Sometimes, witnesses notice symptoms of a concussion. For instance, after an accident, a witness might observe the following signs in an individual that suffers a concussion;
- Slurred speech
- Dazed appearance
- Delayed response to questions
- Forgetfulness
When it comes to infants and toddlers, a concussion injury can be difficult to recognize since infants and toddlers do not know how to describe how they feel. Some common symptoms of concussion in children include;
- Seizures
- Dazed appearance
- Irritability and crankiness
- Vomiting
- Excessive crying
- Loss of balance
- Lack of interest in favorite toys
Delayed Concussion Symptoms
As already mentioned, many concussion symptoms do not occur until hours or days after an accident. Sometimes, initial signs of a concussion might be so mild that you even fail to recognize them immediately.
Generally, all symptoms that can occur immediately after an accident can also take time to appear. However, according to Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of a concussion that do not show up until hours or days after an accident include;
- Sleep disturbances
- Concentration and memory complaints
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Disorders of smell and taste
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Dropping items
- Psychological adjustment problems and depression
Seek Medical Help
If you were in a Florida accident that involved your head getting hit or violently shaken and still have not experienced any symptoms of a concussion, it is crucial that you see a doctor. They may perform a CT Scan to rule out a traumatic brain injury. Also, even if the symptoms you are experiencing are mild, it would be best for you to seek medical help. If you still do not have symptoms of a concussion and don’t know what to expect, a doctor can advise you on what to look out for in the coming hours or days. On the other hand, mild symptoms may indicate a more severe injury. Moreover, seeing a doctor will help your legal claim. If you plan to file a personal injury claim against an individual you believe caused your accident due to negligence, you should see a doctor.
Contact a Parkland Personal Injury Lawyer
To learn more about your legal rights after suffering a concussion because of another person’s negligence, contact a skilled Parkland personal injury lawyer at Lyons & Snyder for a free consultation.
Resource:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
