How Dangerous Concussions Really Are
Recent revelations about brain injuries sustained by players in the NFL have have lead a lot of people to ask questions about the dangers of concussions. What happens when you get a concussion? In what way can concussions be a threat to your health and cognitive function? Can a concussion cause permanent brain damage?
If you’ve ever sustained a concussion, it’s important to know how that injury has affected you. In this post, we seek to answer your questions so you can seek the help you need in the event that you sustain a head injury.
What Happens When a Concussion Occurs?
Concussions occur when a sudden impact or fall causes the head to whip back and forth, and the brain inside the head to slam against the skull. A concussion is a mild brain injury that often features no outward physical damage. In other words, concussions do not necessarily result in bruises or cuts. This is why it can be hard to tell when a concussion occurs.
Can You Get a Concussion Without Losing Consciousness?
Yes. When you sustain a concussion, you may or may not lose consciousness.
What are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Concussion symptoms are hard to pin down. The symptoms may last hours, days or weeks, and may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
Do Concussions Interfere with Brain Function?
Yes, concussions interfere with brain function. In many cases, this interference is temporary but debilitating. People who experience concussions may have difficulty concentrating, altered mood, anxiety, depression, loss of skills, lack of interest in favorite activities and loss of sex drive. In cases where patients have sustained many concussions over several years, these cognitive or emotional changes can become permanent.
Are Concussions Life Threatening?
Generally, no. In some rare cases, concussions can lead to other conditions, like blood clots, that are life threatening. In addition, when a patient sustains a second concussion sustained shortly after a first concussion, before the first concussion is healed, the brain can swell rapidly, and for some people, this can be fatal.
I Think I May Have a Concussion. What Now?
If you think you may have a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. Although doctors classify concussions as mild brain injuries, your doctor should be given the chance to diagnose and treat your brain injury in a manner appropriate for the circumstances. This is especially important if you have sustained repeated concussions in the past, or if this is your second concussion in a short length of time.
If you recently sustained a concussion as the result of an accident, it’s important that you seek legal counsel. Contact a personal injury attorney in your area to find out if you have a case. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, contact Beier Law for a consultation.
