A concussion is caused by a jolt to the head, often a result from a sports injury, accident, fall, or other traumatic event. No matter how you suffered your injury or the severity of the blow, all concussions are dangerous and must be properly treated to avoid enduring damage to the brain's fragile tissues. You'll likely suffer initial pain, ongoing discomfort, and may be out of work as you heal, so consider consulting with a traumatic brain injury lawyer about your right to compensation for your losses. A doctor can tell you more about the effects of concussions and recommend recovery options, but some general information should be useful.
Short-Term Effects
While some victims will become unconscious after suffering a concussion, many will never black out from the condition. Some people will feel the effects within a few hours after a blog that causes the concussion.
Internally, the brain is like any other tissue in your body: It fills with fluid and swells when damaged by an impact like concussion. The difference is that the brain has nowhere to expand, so pressure increases inside the brain. In the short term, this pressure can cause headaches, confusion, issues with memory, and vomiting. With a moderately serious concussion, these same symptoms may last longer. Still, even victims of brain damage due to a mild concussion will experience problems up to one year after the incident.
Long-Term and Ongoing Health Issues
A concussion victim may live with debilitating medical conditions, ranging from mild to severe. The problems fall into three main categories:
- Cognitive: A victim may have difficulties processing information from his or her surroundings, expressing thoughts, understanding conversation, and memory loss. There may also be problems with attention and decision-making.
- Perception: The senses can also be affected by concussion. Vision, hearing, and sense of touch may be diminished, which can lease to balance and orientation problems. A victim may also not possess an ability to recognize the passing of time. Some people have reported an increased sensitivity to pain.
- Physical: Pain is common, but other physical effects may include fatigue and mental tiredness. A victim may also experience seizures, paralysis, and tremors as the result of a concussion. In addition, slurred speech, sensitivity to light and dark, and sleep problems are common. If the concussion victim is a child, there may be problems with brain development.
Retain an Experienced Attorney to Pursue Your Right to Compensation
If you've suffered a concussion for any reason, it's critical that you recognize the seriousness of the injury and take proper action with the advice of a medical professional. Your recovery may be long and painful, so consider discussing your situation with a qualified lawyer. These attorneys can assess your case and determine whether you're entitled to compensation for your losses. The traumatic brain injury attorneys at The Casper Firm have extensive experience in these types of cases and will work with you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Please contact The Casper Firm to schedule a free consultation at our conveniently located Baltimore office.
