What are the Signs of a Concussion After an Accident?

A concussion is a form of head trauma that is caused by violent shaking or a strong blow to the head. When the brain strikes the inside of the skull, it can stretch or damage brain cells and cause chemical changes in the brain. Concussions are commonly seen in victims of car accidents.

Recognizing a Concussion

Contrary to popular belief, a concussion does not cause a loss of consciousness. It is also possible to suffer a concussion and not even realize it. While some symptoms can appear immediately, other signs commonly appear days or weeks later. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of a concussion and recognize that you or someone you know may have one. The following are symptoms of a severe concussion requiring immediate medical attention:

• Seizures or convulsions
• Double vision or unequal dilation in the pupils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in speech, such as slurring
• Loss of balance
• Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose

More common symptoms include the following:

• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability, anxiety, depression, or other changes in behavior, such as mood swings
• Dizziness
• Sensory issues, such as loss of smell or taste, or bad taste in the mouth
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Because many of the signs of a concussion overlap with other health issues, they are easy to miss. A person with a concussion may appear perfectly healthy and not associate their symptoms with a head injury. As recovery from a concussion progresses, symptoms may change. At the beginning, it is common to experience headaches, dizziness, and fatigue while emotional symptoms may occur later.

Recovery from a concussion is often a matter of resting the brain, which means limiting the use of computers, television, reading, and anything that requires mental concentration. Some concussion injuries can leave victims with chronic health issues, such as headaches, seizures, and/or emotional problems.

Car Accidents and Concussions

Many people think that if their head did not strike anything in a car accident, they did not suffer a concussion. In fact, the force of impact in an accident is enough to shake the brain against the skull, leaving the person with injury to the soft tissue of the neck and shoulder area and a concussion.

If the car accident was caused by another person’s negligence, it may be possible to recover compensation for damages suffered from a concussion, such as any medical expenses, lost wages and/or earning capacity, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses, if necessary.

St. Clair County Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Fight for Victims of Car Accidents

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another person, you may be eligible for compensation. Talk to an experienced St. Clair County accident lawyer at The Cates Law Firm, LLC to see what your case is worth. We will fight to obtain the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Call us at 618-277-3644 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients throughout Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.