Concussions are tricky. You can walk away from a hit to the head feeling fine, but days or even weeks later, things start to feel off. Delayed concussion symptoms can sneak up on you when you least expect it, making it important to understand what to watch for. If you sustain a brain injury from an accident caused by another person or entity, you have the right to file a lawsuit under the legal theory of negligence.
The Sneaky Nature of Concussions
When you think of a concussion, you probably imagine someone getting knocked out or feeling dizzy immediately after a blow to the head. But that’s not always how it works. Here’s why:
- Your brain needs time to process the trauma. The initial shock can mask the real damage.
- Inflammation can build up. Swelling in the brain doesn’t always happen immediately.
- You might not notice subtle changes at first. What feels like minor dizziness or a headache could escalate.
Remember, sometimes, your body doesn’t register the damage right away, and these symptoms don’t show up until later.
Common Causes of Concussions and Head Trauma
Concussions result from a sudden impact or force to the head or body, causing the brain to shift or twist within the skull. This movement can lead to tissue damage and result in a traumatic brain injury. Concussion symptoms are often associated with:
- Car accidents involving head trauma
- Sports injuries, especially in contact sports like football or boxing
- Slip and fall accidents causing a blow to the head
- Physical assaults resulting in head impact
- Bicycle or motorcycle crashes without proper head protection
- Being struck by an object or debris
- Falls from heights, such as ladders or staircases
- Work-related accidents, particularly in construction or heavy industry
- Whiplash from a sudden jolt or impact
- Recreational activities like skiing or skateboarding without a helmet
Wearing a seatbelt or helmet and being cautious are good preventative measures.
What to Watch Out For
Concussions are unpredictable, and delayed symptoms often catch people off guard. Here’s what might crop up in the days following a head injury:
- Headaches: They may start small but become more frequent and severe.
- Cognitive issues: Struggling to focus, memory lapses, or feeling mentally foggy.
- Mood swings: Irritability, anxiety, turning into bigger emotional shifts.
- Sleep disturbances: Struggling to fall asleep or waking up constantly in the middle of the night can be signs of a concussion.
- Balance problems: Feeling off-balance or dizzy days later is common with delayed concussion symptoms.
Delayed concussion symptoms are often downplayed. People tend to push through headaches or dismiss trouble concentrating as stress or fatigue. But concussions that aren’t properly treated can lead to chronic issues like migraines, memory problems, mood disorders, or even death.
What to Do if You Notice Symptoms Later
If delayed concussion symptoms rear their ugly heads, don’t brush them off. Here’s how to handle them:
- See a doctor: Even if you felt fine after the injury, any new or worsening symptoms should be checked out.
- Take it easy: Your brain needs time to heal, so rest is crucial. This includes both physical and mental rest. Skip intense workouts and avoid overstimulation like screens or loud environments.
If symptoms persist or worsen, make sure to have follow-up visits with a healthcare provider. Some concussion symptoms can linger, and you may need therapy or medication to fully recover.
The Mental Impact
Beyond the physical symptoms, dealing with the uncertainty of your brain’s health can be emotionally exhausting. Here are some impacts you might experience:
- Frustration and impatience: It’s easy to get annoyed when your body isn’t bouncing back like you expect. This frustration can bleed into your personal and professional life.
- Anxiety: The lingering worry about whether your symptoms will get worse can keep you on edge.
- Depression: The chemical changes in your brain after a concussion can trigger depression, especially if you’re already prone to mood disorders.
Even if you start feeling better, it’s important not to rush back into your normal routine. Overexertion can slow down your recovery and, in some cases, make things worse.
Dealing with Delayed Concussion Symptoms? Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Delayed concussion symptoms are a serious matter. The sneaky, slow nature of these symptoms can make it difficult to recognize the danger until it’s too late. At Starks Byron, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers understands the complexities of head trauma cases and is here to get you the medical care and compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today for a consultation, and let us guide you through your recovery and legal process.
Contact the Kennesaw personal injury lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
