Suffering Repeated Concussions
Traumatic injuries occupy a significant portion of the media spotlight because of the impact that they can have on someone’s life. There are many different accidents that can lead to injuries and some of these are more serious than others. Recently, concussions have received a lot of attention. This is because scientists and researchers are learning more about head and brain injuries every day. Some of the statistics on head injuries that have been published by The Head Case Company include:
- In the year 2012, close to 4 million concussions were reported
- This is double the number of injuries that were reported in 2002
- Between 4 million and 5 million concussions occur annually, with an increasing number of these occurring in children
- 9 out of 10 of these head injuries do not lead to a loss of consciousness, making them harder to diagnose
- Concussions increase the chances of someone developing a permanent neurological disability
- More than 5 million people in the U.S. are currently living with a disability-related to a traumatic brain injury
While every injury needs to be taken seriously, the consequences of repeated trauma to the head or brain could include serious injury or even death. Because of this, head trauma needs to be spotted quickly and accurately so that individuals can receive the medical attention that they deserve.
Spotting a Concussion: The Symptoms
A concussion is an injury to the head that causes an alteration in the function of the brain. While many people believe concussions require a loss of consciousness, this is not always the case. Some of the ways that these injuries can develop include:
- Contact sports where someone might suffer a blow to the head
- A slip and fall injury where someone strikes their head on the ground
- An auto accident where the individual hits their head on the steering wheel, window, or dashboard
Not every blow to the head will lead to a concussion. Some of the symptoms of this type of injury can occur immediately, including:
- A headache
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Altered mental status, confusion, or a mental “fog”
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
- Feeling tired
Concussions can also lead to delayed symptoms. These signs may not show up immediately following an impact to the head but can occur later. Examples include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritation that is made worse by bright lights or loud noises
- Feeling irritable or having a “short temper”
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Mental health issues including depression or anxiety
Finally, concussions can be difficult to spot in children. Unfortunately, they are becoming more common. Head trauma can lead to serious problems. Like other traumatic brain injuries, it is important for parents to be watchful. Anyone who has suffered a concussion needs to seek medical care immediately. Examples of concussion symptoms in children include:
- Difficulty balancing
- Trouble walking
- Falling often
- Crying excessively
- Lack of desire to engage in fun activities
- Sleeping constantly
- Appearing confused
Consequences of Repeated Head Trauma
In recent years, a disorder called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been discussed by researchers and the national media. This disorder stems from repeated blows to the head, which can lead to a concussion. While it has been studied in football players and boxers, CTE can develop in anyone who has suffered multiple concussions. Some of the recent studies have shown that CTE can lead to mental health problems later in life. Furthermore, autopsies that have been performed on individuals who have been suspected of having CTE has demonstrated microscopic findings consistent with neurological degeneration. This is the cause of the dramatic complications that individuals with CTE can develop.
Serious Complications
When someone suffers repeated head trauma, there are life-altering consequences that can develop. Among these are different forms of dementia. Some of the early signs of dementia include:
- Difficulty with hearing or vision
- Trouble balancing
- Subtle changes in personality, such as increased irritability
As the disease progresses, the symptoms of dementia will become more dramatic. Some of these include:
- Forgetting the names and faces of family members and friends
- Exhibiting inappropriate behaviors in public settings
- Dementia, hallucinations, and delusions
- Getting lost in places that were once familiar
- Severe memory loss
Obviously, these are issues that can impact the entire family. Therefore, concussions need to be diagnosed early so that they can be avoided. Where can families turn to for help?
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Clearly, concussions are a serious injury. Those who suffer repeated concussions could develop lifelong issues. This impacts not only the individual but also their family members and friends. Those who suffer a blow to the head should immediately seek medical attention. Following treatment, it is wise to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer. There are many ways that an attorney can provide assistance, including:
- Reviewing the records of the accident to ensure that no detail has been overlooked
- Working with professional accident re-constructionists to ensure that the reports are correct
- Making certain that the liability in the accident has been properly assigned
- Helping families pursue damages that are related to their injuries, pain, and suffering and loss of wages
- Taking a case to court, if necessary
No family should ever feel like they have to fend for themselves following an accident, particularly one that leads to injuries. For this reason, please contact a trained and compassionate personal injury lawyer in Stockton today. You and your loved ones might be deserving of a financial reward.
Stockton Personal Injury Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. Repeated concussions can lead to severe, permanent neurological damage that could impact the entire family. If you or a family member has developed injuries in an accident, call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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The Consequences of Repeated Concussions in Accidents: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The image at the top of this page is found in its original form at Unsplash.com. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ The Consequences of Repeated Concussions in Accidents.
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