Concussion Awareness: Brain Injury Facts You Need To Know
Many serious car accidents result in traumatic brain injuries. This is why it's important for people to understand the dangers of a head injury from a car crash, how common concussions and other brain injuries are, and how to identify the warning signs of a severe head injury.
That's the focus of National Concussion Awareness Day, which takes place on Sept. 16, 2022. "Our mission is to start a conversation to increase concussion awareness nationally, raise funds for brain injury charitable organizations, and show support for those suffering," the National Concussion Awareness Day website states.
It is also critical to understand the legal options available to concussion victims and how a brain injury attorney can help protect their legal rights.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often caused by a direct blow to the head. For example, concussions frequently occur in car accidents because the brain crashes into the inside of the skull or is violently shaken during a collision.
One of the most common and misunderstood head injuries, a concussion is often described as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, there's usually nothing mild about a concussion or brain injury. A concussion can have severe consequences and long-term, permanent brain damage if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
This is especially true if someone has previously sustained a concussion. Multiple concussions can have an increasing effect on a person's brain and permanently change someone's brain cells due to chemical changes in the brain.
How common are concussions?
More than 3 million people each year sustain a concussion that requires emergency medical care, according to the Concussion Legacy Foundation. However, such figures might be higher since many concussions are not diagnosed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Concussions are prevalent among teenagers. According to a 2017 CDC study, an estimated 2.5 million teenagers sustain a concussion each year, including 1 million teenagers who sustained two or more concussions the previous year.
Concussion warning signs
There are many warning signs that you or a loved one may have sustained a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury in an accident. According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, concussion symptoms can be physical, emotional, and cognitive (a person's ability to think}.
Common physical symptoms of a concussion
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Frequent severe headaches
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Sensitivity to loud noise
Common emotional symptoms of a concussion
- Unexplained depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Unexplained aggression or anger
Common cognitive symptoms of a concussion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss or memory lapses
- Difficulty performing several mental tasks at once
- Not being able to think clearly, as if the brain was in a fog
How a brain injury attorney can help you
Dealing with medical issues from a concussion after a car accident can be exceptionally challenging for the victim and their loved ones. Add in dealing with aggressive insurance companies and the legal issues that may come after a car accident, and the entire process can be overwhelming.
This is why it's crucial to have a legal team on your side that can help you deal with all these matters while you focus on recovering from your concussion. At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., our experienced brain injury attorneys can look out for your best interests throughout every step in the process and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
If you sustained a concussion or another traumatic brain injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other potential damages. The key is to know your legal rights and options. Contact us to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We have offices in Dover and Portsmouth and proudly serve clients throughout New Hampshire.
