Concussions are one of the most common types of personal injuries, and they can occur as the result of even a minor bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While the symptoms are often subtle, going unnoticed or taking days and even weeks to appear, the impact it can have on your physical health and overall wellbeing is significant. The following outlines important facts about concussions, along with the information you need to be aware of if you have previously suffered any type of head injury.
Facts About Concussions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that concussions can occur under a variety of circumstances, often as a result of accidents or while engaged in sports and recreational activities. Anytime a bump, blow or sudden jarring movement causes your head to whip back and forth, it can cause the brain to bounce or twist in your skull. As a result, chemical changes in the brain and damage to brain cells can have subtle, yet significant impacts on both your abilities and your personality.
As one of the most common types of traumatic brain injury (TBI), the CDC reports that a concussion can have both short- and long-term impacts on the following areas:
· Your thought processes, impacting reason and memory
· Language skills, including your ability to form sentences or understand what is being said
· Your sensory system, including your ability to see and your sense of balance
· Your emotions, causing victims to suffer depression, increased agitation, and fits of rage
Many of these symptoms may not be apparent in the immediate aftermath of a personal injury, which is why it is important to see your doctor right away any time an even minor head injury occurs. Patients should be monitored closely in the days after and should be alert to potential impairments or changes in physical or emotional health, even if it is months after their injury occurred.
Previous Head Injuries
If you suffer a concussion as a result of a personal injury, it is important to inform your medical providers if you have ever had a similar head injury in the past. The Mayo Clinic advises that doctors are continuing to learn more about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which occurs in those who have suffered repeated head trauma.
The condition is gaining attention among pro-football players, with high school and college coaches taking extra precautions in protecting young athletes. Those who have previously been in any type of motor vehicle, slip and fall, or other incident in which they suffered a head injury should be aware of the potential risks. CTE causes slowly progressing physical, mental, and cognitive impairments, and can end up resulting in total memory loss and dementia, mimicking Alzheimer’s disease.
Contact a Law Firm Today for Help
If you or a loved one suffers a concussion as a result of an accident or due to someone’s negligent actions, we urge you to call a law firm right away. Request a consultation with a skilled brain injury attorney, who can assist you in getting compensation for any long-term disabilities you may end up suffering.