Even a "mild" traumatic brain injury should be taken seriously.
Concussions are common in car wrecks, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, construction accidents, slip and falls, and industrial accidents—but according to research, about 9 out of every 10 adults cannot properly define "traumatic brain injury."
There are also some public misconceptions about this type of brain injury. For example, although it is sometimes called a "mild" traumatic brain injury (mTBI), concussions are serious. They can cause long-term and life-threatening damage, especially if not properly identified and treated. In addition, you can't "walk off" or "shake off" a concussion. Recovery often requires medical attention and rest.
To help shine a light on the injury, September 16, 2022, has been designated National Concussion Awareness Day. Launched before 2020, the annual campaign draws attention to concussion facts, research, prevention, and how to help people who have sustained a concussion.
If you or someone you loved sustained a concussion or another type of head or brain injury in a Texas accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. The key is to talk to an experienced brain injury attorney from our law firm to review your legal rights and options. For more information about how we can help you, contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
What is a concussion?
Often caused by a blow to the head or rapid movement that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can stretch and damage brain cells.
Concussions can affect a person's thinking, emotions, sleep, and physical health. Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Light sensitivity.
- Dizziness, lack of balance.
- Feeling sleepy, low-energy.
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blurred vision.
- Feeling foggy, trouble thinking clearly.
- Memory problems.
- Anxiety, sadness, heightened irritability.
- Problems with sleep.
Symptoms may diminish in 6-10 days, though some concussion victims may experience symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. When concussion symptoms persist for more than 3-6 months, the victim may have post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
When should I see a doctor for a concussion?
A doctor can give you a thorough examination that may reveal injuries, like a concussion, of which you are unaware. As such, it's always prudent to seek medical attention after an accident or if you're experiencing concussion symptoms. A bad concussion can be life-threatening or develop into a worse injury. In addition, although rare, it is possible for a concussed person to form a blood clot that dangerously crowds the brain. Therefore, a person should call 911 and get emergency medical help if the injured person has a:
- Headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions, or seizures.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Slurred speech.
- Unusual behavior.
- Pupil (the black center of the eye) that is larger than the other.
- Problem recognizing people or places.
- Problem staying awake or waking up.
Even though you can suffer a concussion without getting "knocked out," losing consciousness is also a sign to get emergency medical attention.
What are the types of concussions?
Concussions are defined by how the injury affects an individual. Generally speaking, concussion varieties include:
- Cognitive/fatigue - Causes trouble with prolonged and complex mental tasks leading to fatigue and trouble learning new skills or multitasking.
- Vestibular - Defined by an inability to balance and possible trouble with controlled motion and clear vision.
- Ocular - Causes difficulty with visual tasks like sustained reading and looking at computer or smartphone screens. In addition, eye movements may be difficult to coordinate.
- Post-traumatic migraine - Can result in terrible migraines that disrupt normal activities and routines, including sleeping. Sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and vomiting, are common symptoms.
- Cervical - Defined by pain or pressure on the neck, spine, and/or spinal cord, resulting in frequent headaches.
- Anxiety/mood - May cause excessive worry, making it difficult to "turn off" your thoughts and possibly cause social and emotional problems.
Hiring an attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your concussion claim.
At Tracey Fox King & Walters, our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. We conduct thorough investigations, build strong cases based on facts, and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. As a result, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured Texans. Discover what our law firm can do for you, and contact us today to schedule a free case consultation. Our offices are in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.