Signs and Symptoms of Concussion: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Identifying a Concussion

Concussion can occur in a wide range of situations, many of which are seemingly minor, but this traumatic brain injury can be very dangerous. A concussion could stem from a sports injury, an auto accident, a fall or it could be from a violent act, such as domestic abuse or child abuse. However, understanding the signs and symptoms of concussion will help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

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What Is Concussion?
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, “[It] alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Although concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken.”

Common Causes
Concussions are caused by a wide range of things, from car accidents to shaken baby syndrome. Violent blows to the head and neck can cause the brain to slide back and forth within your skull, and sudden acceleration or deceleration (car accident, violent shaking, etc.) can cause injuries to your brain. These can lead to bleeding within the brain, which can be life threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms of Concussion
Depending on the severity of the concussion, there is a wide range of symptoms that might present. You’ll need to watch for the following:

• A feeling of pressure within the skull
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Tiredness
• Daze
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Sleepiness/drowsiness
• Ringing in the ears

In addition to these immediate symptoms, there are others that may be delayed by several hours, or even days after the initial injury. These include:

• Strange/abnormal tastes and smells
• Sleep disturbance
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Depression

Identifying a Concussion

If you or someone you love may have a concussion, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. While most are minor injuries, there is always the potential for serious damage to occur, as with any other type of traumatic brain injury. Doctors can employ a wide range of tests to determine whether or not a patient has sustained a concussion, including neuropsychological tests, CT scans, MRIs and more.
Treatment for a concussion will depend on the severity of the injury. Many patients are sent home with pain medication to rest, but others may have to spend time in the hospital. Only a doctor can determine which treatment option is best for a specific patient.

If you believe that you or a family member has suffered a brain injury in the Los Angeles area due to the negligence or or misconduct of another person, you should call our injury lawyers in Los Angeles who can help identify your options and recommend a course of action.