Many people think that a concussion is nothing more than a minor bump to the head, but that’s not the case. A concussion is one type of traumatic brain injury, so it’s nothing to take lightly. Some of the symptoms of a concussion may not appear right away or may not seem serious at first. As a result, many people that sustain this injury fail to seek medical treatment in a timely manner. How can you spot a concussion? Follow these tips:
Disorientation
Concussion victims are often disoriented after hitting their heads. They may not remember what happened, even if it’s only been a few minutes since they sustained the injury. Some people think this is a normal reaction to being involved in an accident, but confusion is actually a symptom of a serious head injury.
Loss of Balance
Someone who has sustained a concussion may experience a loss of balance. If someone appears to be unsteady on his feet after hitting his head, this is a sign that he has sustained a concussion.
Loss of Consciousness
Some concussion victims will briefly lose consciousness after hitting their heads. But, do not assume that someone did not sustain a concussion simply because he never lost consciousness.
Physical Symptoms
Victims may complain of extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or headaches after sustaining a concussion. A concussion can also make the victim more sensitive to certain stimuli such as light or noise. If someone seems bothered by a loud noise or a bright light, this is a sign that he has sustained a concussion.
Mood Changes
It may take hours, days, or even weeks for a concussion to cause noticeable changes in a victim’s mood. Some victims experience mood swings while others report being incredibly irritable for long periods of time. It’s also possible for a concussion victim to feel extreme sadness. The victim may complain of “feeling down” or may cry much more than usual. It can be hard to be around someone who is dealing with these changes, but try to remember that the victim may not have any control over his emotions because of the injury.
It’s important to note that this is not an all-inclusive list of concussion symptoms. Each concussion is unique, so the victim may exhibit a wide range of symptoms. To play it safe, it’s best to seek medical attention from a doctor if you ever hit your head after a fall, traffic collision, or any other type of accident.
Have you sustained a concussion in an accident? If so, contact the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today. We will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
