Concussions
Concussions sustained in car accidents can lead to long-term consequences even though it is defined as a mild brain injury. A concussion occurs when the brain slams into the rigid skull and sustains and injury that alters the way the brain works. While the effects of a concussion are usually temporary, sometimes this type of brain injury can cause long-term consequences.
You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion, in fact, you may not know you have one at all. There are common signs and symptoms of concussion, though they may not present for days or even sometimes weeks after the accident. These symptoms may last or be fleeting –
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Clumsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Slurred speech
- Blurry vision
- Sensitive to noise and light
- Personality changes
- Memory loss
Types of Concussions
Instead of types, concussions are graded.
- Grade 1 – mild concussion with symptoms lasting about 15 minutes or less with no loss of consciousness
- Grade 2 – moderate injury with symptoms that continue for more than 15 minutes
- Grade 3 – Severe injury with loss of consciousness, though it might only be for a few seconds
Your physician will determine the grade of severity and what type of treatment you may require. Your doctor will probably ask you to describe the accident and talk about any symptoms you might have experienced. They may also ask you a list of questions to see if you are experiencing memory or concentration problems and test your reflexes and coordination. If your physician needs to rules out serious brain injury or bleeding, they may order diagnostic tests like an MRI or CT scan.
Treatments
Treatment for concussion depends on the grade. A lower grade injury may only require pain medications and rest until all symptoms subside. You may be scheduled for a follow-up examine within one to three days after your diagnosis.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
When the signs and symptoms of concussion continue for an extended period, like weeks or months after the injury was sustained, its called post-concussion syndrome. The development of this condition is not dependent on the severity of the injury. In other words, you could develop this condition even after a mild concussion. If you develop this syndrome, the people around you may notice that you are agitated, irritable, argumentative, and suspicious. You may also complain often of severe and debilitating headaches.
How We Can Help
If you seek compensation for concussion injuries you or a loved one suffered in a car accident that was the fault of someone else, you will have to prove that the accident caused the injury, which is usually done through medical examination.
Numerous professional football players have made the news because of what we know now to be post-concussion syndrome, yet insurance companies make it difficult to collect on these types of claims. We’ve been fighting for the injured for decades, and we know how to deal with tough insurance companies who work hard to deny legitimate claims. Calls us today to learn more about what we can do for you.