Concussions: More Than Just a Headache
October 28th, 2024
|Concussions are often misunderstood as just a bad headache. However, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires serious attention, especially if it happens after a car crash, slip and fall, or any other accident.
Unlike ordinary headaches or migraines, concussions can have severe and lasting effects on your brain health. Understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt medical care can support your recovery and future well-being.
Learn how to identify when a concussion might indicate a TBI and how a California brain injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Symptoms of a Concussion: What to Watch For
After an accident, it’s easy to dismiss a headache as a minor consequence of the ordeal. However, concussions have symptoms that distinguish them from regular headaches or migraines. Common signs of a concussion include:
- Persistent Headache: The headache may feel sharper, last longer, and resist typical pain relief, unlike usual headaches or migraines which often improve with rest or medication.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues: Migraines can cause some dizziness, but a concussion can make you feel unexpectedly unsteady or lightheaded, leading you to struggle to keep your balance even during routine tasks like walking.
- Confusion or Feeling Foggy: While headaches can cause discomfort, concussions can leave you feeling mentally sluggish or unable to think clearly.
- Memory Problems: A concussion may also cause noticeable memory gaps, making it difficult to remember what happened before or after the injury.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea from a concussion is often more sudden and intense than what you might experience with a migraine or headache.
- Sensitivity to Light and Noise: While migraines can cause sensitivity to light and sound, these sensitivities can be more extreme with a concussion and persist in low-light or quiet environments.
- Changes in Mood or Behavior: Shifts in mood, like irritability or anxiety, may feel stronger and more out of character than you might experience with a regular headache or migraine.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems from a concussion can go beyond typical restlessness or fatigue, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep and causing unusual daytime drowsiness.
How Concussions Differ From Ordinary Headaches and Migraines
Unlike ordinary headaches, concussions result from a blow to the head or a violent jolt that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can lead to bruising, nerve damage, or other forms of trauma to the brain tissue.
While migraines are neurological and can be debilitating, they do not involve direct injury to the brain. Headaches or migraines typically resolve with rest, hydration, and medication. Concussions often require more serious interventions, such as a medical evaluation and a cognitive and physical rest period.
Ignoring concussion symptoms can lead to a worsening condition known as post-concussion syndrome, which can cause dizziness, persistent headaches, and cognitive difficulties for months or even years after the initial injury.
The Dangers of Undiagnosed Concussions
Failing to diagnose and treat a concussion can have serious, long-term consequences. A concussion is a brain injury that can lead to complications if ignored. Risks associated with untreated concussions include:
- Further Brain Injury: Once you’ve sustained a concussion, your brain becomes more vulnerable to additional injuries. Suffering another blow to the head before fully recovering can lead to second-impact syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.
- Development of Chronic Symptoms: Some individuals’ symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, affecting your ability to work, socialize, and enjoy activities.
- Complications Like Seizures: Seizures can occur after a concussion, especially if the injury is severe or left untreated. Around 2%-17% of people with head injuries experience seizures, with many of these seizures happening within the first 24 hours after the injury.
- Impact on Cognitive Function: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive issues can arise from an untreated concussion. These symptoms can severely affect your quality of life, leading to frustration, anxiety, and depression.
Why You Should See a Doctor
If you suspect you have a concussion following an accident, see a doctor immediately to protect your health. A medical professional can conduct neurological tests, imaging studies, and cognitive assessments to determine the severity of your injury and recommend appropriate treatment. The earlier a concussion is diagnosed, the better your chances are of avoiding long-term complications.
A doctor’s evaluation also provides crucial documentation of your injuries, which can be essential if you pursue a legal claim. Medical records establish clear evidence of the severity and timing of your concussion, strengthening your compensation case. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we specialize in helping brain injury victims prove their injuries and receive the financial support needed for recovery.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers for Qualified Legal Help
If you or a loved one is suffering from a concussion caused by someone else’s negligence, whether in a car crash, slip and fall, or other type of accident, don’t wait to seek help.
Our qualified team understands the challenges of brain injury claims. We have the experience and resources needed to secure the compensation you deserve. As trusted California brain injury lawyers, we can guide you through the legal process and hold the liable party accountable for your losses.
Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you get the care and compensation you need.