A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a person suffers a hard hit or blow to the head. It is commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents or high contact sports like football or hockey. After a concussion, it is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications. Here are the common warning signs of a concussion to be aware of and look out for.
Emergency Symptoms of a Concussion
When you or a loved one presents these symptoms of a concussion, immediately take them to the emergency room.
Any loss of consciousness, even if less than a minute
Extreme head pain
Mental confusion
Unable to speak clearly
Lightheaded or dizzy (unable to stand up and walk in a straight line)
Clumsiness
Repeated nausea with or without vomiting
An abnormally enlarged pupil
Seizures or convulsions (shaking or twitching)
Unusual behavior, such as increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
Delayed Symptoms of a Concussion
In some cases, symptoms of a concussion can take time to appear after an accident. If you begin to notice any of these warning signs, seek medical care as soon as possible.
Headache that will not go away
Difficulty concentrating on work or at school
Unable to remember things you usually would remember
Excessive fatigue
Excessive moodiness
Abnormal sleep patterns: sleeping more than average or insomnia
Unusual lack of coordination
Vision problems
Sensitivity to light
Warning Signs of a Concussion in Children
Young children cannot always tell you how they feel, so recognizing a concussion can be challenging. Common warning signs include:
Excessive crying
Dazed appearance
Change in eating or sleeping patterns
Listlessness and tiring easily
Irritability and crankiness
Loss of balance and unsteady walking
Lack of interest in favorite toys
Vomiting
Seizures
How to Prevent a Concussion
The best way to prevent a concussion is to try and avoid the risk of a head injury. For example, you can:
Wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle and ensure children are in age-appropriate car or booster seats.
Before riding a motorcycle, bicycling, skating, skateboarding, or participating in high-contact sports, always put on a helmet.
Wear a hard hat when appropriate. For example, if you work in construction or are completing a project on your home.
Install slip and fall prevention surfaces or devices on the stairs, railings, and floors in your home. If an incident occurs on someone else’s property, a Fresno slip and fall injury lawyer can explain your legal options.
If you have already suffered a concussion, it is vital to take steps to prevent a re-injury:
Get plenty of sleep and rest.
Wait until your healthcare provider clears you to drive.
Keep track of any new symptoms and report them to your doctor.
Wait until your doctor clears you to participate in sports-related activities.
When taking children to playgrounds, visit ones that have soft surfaces if possible. Additionally, block off areas or install safety devices in your home where a child could fall.
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for a concussion. There is only treatment for symptoms, and it will take time for your body to recover. If you suffer a head injury due to someone else’s actions, the Fresno brain injury attorneys at the Freedman Law firm can help. Call (559) 447-9000 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
