Concussions are among the most frequent injuries brought on by car accidents. Unfortunately, sometimes even “mild” concussions can have disastrous effects.
While many people fully recover from their concussion, a significant percentage (roughly 15 to 20 percent) still experience persistent post-concussion symptoms months or even years after the initial head injury. And because concussion symptoms aren’t always easy for others to see, getting fair compensation from a personal injury claim can be extremely challenging.
If you, a family member, or friend have suffered a concussion in a motor vehicle wreck, you need an experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) attorney like Tom Crosley on your side to make sure you get the best treatment and financial recovery possible.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is typically described as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden impact or a quick jolt to the head that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, interfering with normal brain function.
While concussions frequently cause acute symptoms, it’s important to recognize that concussions can sometimes cause delayed symptoms that could point to a more serious illness called post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
This blog post examines the long-lasting impact of PCS following a car accident, and delayed concussion symptoms you may experience.
Early Symptoms of a Concussion
After a car accident, it’s important to recognize the early symptoms of a concussion before moving on to delayed symptoms. From mild to severe, these early and immediate symptoms can include:
- Headaches and lightheadedness.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Disorientation and confusion.
- Issues with memory and concentration.
- Blurry vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light and noise.
- Modifications in mood, such as agitation, anxiety, or depression.
- Exhaustion and problems with coordination and balance.
Delayed Symptoms of a Concussion:
Despite the fact that early concussion symptoms are well-known, delayed symptoms of a concussion often catch people off guard. Delayed symptoms frequently appear hours or even days after the injury. The following are a few of the frequently reported delayed symptoms:
Cognitive and Emotional Changes
Delayed cognitive symptoms after a mild TBI may include reduced processing speed, memory issues, decreased coordination, and attention and focus problems. It’s also possible to experience emotional changes like irritation, mood swings, anxiety, and despair. The daily lives, relationships, and general well-being of an individual can all be profoundly impacted by these symptoms.
Sleep Disturbances
Even if the person originally experienced typical sleep patterns after the accident, delayed sleep disturbances may still occur. Insomnia, excessive drowsiness, or trouble keeping to a normal sleep pattern are all possible symptoms. Disrupted sleep patterns can increase other symptoms and delay recovery because sleep is essential for brain recovery.
Vision and Sensory Issues
Concussion victims often report delayed vision issues such as double or blurred vision, focus issues, and sensitivity to light or noise. Other sensory disruptions include altered taste and smell as well as increased sensitivity to touch.
Headaches and Migraines
Although headaches are frequently experienced in the moments following an accident, they might linger or return days later and occasionally transform into migraines. These headaches can be severe, persistent, and come with accompanying symptoms including light sensitivity and nausea.
Fatigue and Energy Loss
Although fatigue is a frequent concussion symptom, some people may experience a gradual onset of acute exhaustion or a sharp decline in energy. Daily tasks may become more difficult to complete as a result, and additional rest breaks are frequently required.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
In some circumstances, delayed concussion symptoms might become chronic and persistent, with concussive symptoms lasting weeks or months after the initial concussion. This may result in a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
While they frequently overlap with the concussion symptoms described above, PCS symptoms are more enduring and chronic. Typical PCS characteristics include:
- Prolonged Headaches: Headaches that last for a long time and occasionally get worse in terms of frequency or intensity.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Memory loss and attention and mental clarity issues that persist after the normal healing period.
- Emotional Disturbances: Prolonged bouts of increased irritation, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Sleep disorders: Consistent sleep disturbances that affect a person’s capacity to achieve restorative sleep and have an effect on their general wellbeing.
- Balance and Dizziness: Prolonged issues with balance, vertigo (a spinning sensation), and dizziness can make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks and lower quality of life.
Managing Delayed Symptoms and Post-Concussion Syndrome:
It’s critical to seek medical attention right away if you develop PCS or experience delayed concussion symptoms following a car accident. A medical expert with knowledge of traumatic brain injuries can make a precise diagnosis and create a customized treatment strategy.
A multidisciplinary approach to post-concussion treatment, including rest, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, the control of medications, and counseling to address emotional and psychological problems may be used.
Intervention in the early stages can significantly improve concussion recovery outcomes for concussion patients and reduce the risk of long-term complications. It also helps you establish strong medical documentation linking your initial symptoms and new symptoms to the crash. This makes it harder for insurance companies to minimize or deny your claim.
Crosley Law: Fighting for Texas TBI Victims
Delayed symptoms of concussions can impact legal and insurance proceedings following an auto accident. It’s important to always seek prompt medical care, stick to your treatment plan, and notify your doctor and your attorney any time your symptoms or treatments change.
The Crosley Law Firm can advocate for you to receive the best medical treatment and financial recovery possible. If you or someone you know suffered a concussion or is dealing with post-concussion syndrome following a motor vehicle wreck, contact the Crosley Law Firm at 210-529-3000 to get experienced TBI attorney Tom Crosley and his team on your side. You can also use our online contact form to request a free consultation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
