COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION

In our many years of personal injury practice, we have often had clients who have suffered concussions as a result of their collisions.  A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function.  Concussions are typically caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and upper body.  The focus of this article is the signs and symptoms you should look for when evaluating whether you have suffered a concussion that is a result of a traumatic event.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:

  •             Vomiting
  •             Nausea
  •             Headache
  •             Feeling of pressure in the head
  •             Confusion or a feeling of fogginess
  •             Temporary loss of Consciousness
  •             Loss of memory concerning the accident/incident
  •             Dizziness, ringing in the ears
  •             Delay in answering questions
  •             Slurred speech
  •             The appearance of being dazed
  •             Tiredness

Concussion symptoms can present themselves immediately after a traumatic event or may appear hours, days or weeks after that event.  Many of our clients have developed particular symptoms over time such as concentration and memory complaints, irritability and changes in personality, sensitivity to light known as photophobia, sensitivity to sound known as phonophobia, depression, and loss of senses such as taste and smell. 

Children are more difficult to evaluate as oftentimes they cannot express the symptoms that they are suffering with.  Consequently, as a parent, there are certain signs you need to look for to evaluate your child after a traumatic event such as crying excessively, change in eating or sleeping habits, lack of interest in their favorite activities, the appearance of being dazed, tiring easily, irritability and loss of balance or unsteadiness.

If you or a loved one suffers from any of these symptoms after a traumatic event I highly encourage you to consult with a physician to be evaluated for a potential traumatic brain injury.  The symptoms might not be related to a brain injury, but it’s worth your peace of mind to find out what is causing these new developments.

If you have any questions concerning this topic or any other information pertaining to personal injury matters please feel free to contact my office.  We are always there for you.