How Do I Know If I Have a Concussion?
Concussions are the most common type of brain injuries. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can arise due to external trauma to the skull. Any bump or blow to the head in an auto accident, slip and fall, sports impact, or other situation could cause a concussion. The symptoms and prognosis for recovery after suffering a concussion will depend on the severity of the injury; however, most victims with concussions fully recover over time. See a doctor about a potential concussion the day you start noticing symptoms.
The Uniqueness of Each Brain Injury
Finding out whether you have a concussion will generally take input from a physician. No two brain injuries are alike. Many patients with concussions share similar symptoms, but this is not always the case. You may have symptoms someone else in your situation did not experience. It is important to visit a doctor for a professional diagnosis of your injuries using exams and X-rays. There are many places to go to seek care for a concussion, including your local Mayo Clinic.
The symptoms of a concussion can arise immediately, or they may take days or weeks to appear. Pay attention to any unusual feelings or behaviors after an accident involving your head, or involving violent shaking, even days after the incident. They could be signs of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. It’s important to know how to spot the danger signs of a concussion. These can include the following:
#1. Loss of Consciousness
One of the most common signs of a serious head injury is a loss of consciousness. A minor head injury may not cause any loss of consciousness at all. A more serious injury could cause seconds or minutes of unconsciousness. Severe brain injuries may cause the victim to lose consciousness for days, weeks, or even longer. If you blacked out after a blow to the head, or cannot remember the first few minutes after the head injury, you may have a concussion. Take even momentary losses of consciousness seriously.
#2. Memory Loss
Loss of memory is another sign of a possible brain injury. Memory loss in any capacity – whether you cannot remember the moments immediately following the injury, or if you are missing memories from before your accident – is serious. Trouble remembering things such as names or places could be a sign of a brain injury. Other cognitive issues could also point to a concussion. These may include lapse of attention span, trouble doing math or problem solving, difficulty with critical thinking, and having a hard time communicating.
#3. Persistent Headache, Nausea, or Vomiting
A headache that is more severe than you usually experience, or one that will not subside, could be a sign of a concussion. If you do not normally get headaches, but start to feel them after suffering a blow to the head, your injuries could be more serious than you thought. The same is true if you notice feelings of nausea or vomiting after hitting your head. Some patients may experience these symptoms, while others may not.
#4. Slurred Speech
A concussion could also affect the way you move and talk. An injury to the brain could have an impact on motor function, making it more difficult to move, walk, eat, or speak. Slurred speech is a potential symptom of concussion, as is decreased coordination, weakness, and numbness anywhere in the body. Fatigue, drowsiness, or the inability to wake up could also point to a serious brain injury.
#5. Convulsions, Seizures, or Coma
Severe concussion cases may cause symptoms such as seizures and convulsions. If you experience these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away. Shaking, twitching, or other problems could be a sign of neurological damage. The same is true if you or a loved one loses consciousness and cannot wake up, or falls into a coma at any time following the brain injury. After an accident involving the head or brain, take any potential concussion symptom seriously, and do not delay in seeking medical care.
If your head injury was the result of someone’s negligence, be sure to contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney about your case. Contact the team at Butler Prather LLP in Atlanta about your case today! (404) 321-1700