What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion Following a Car Accident?

by | Jan 25, 2018 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you have ever suffered a concussion, you’re in good company. In a 2016 survey, researchers found that nearly 25 percent of Americans have sustained a concussion at some point.

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the leading causes of TBI include slip and fall accidents, falling objects, and motor vehicle collisions.

If you sustained a concussion in a car crash that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. To discuss your case with a personal injury attorney in Alexandria and determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to The Downs Law Firm.

Ross Downs has been practicing law for more than two decades. Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free case evaluation.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion Following a Car Accident?

A pool of spinal fluid surrounding the brain serves as a kind of shock absorber and cushions the soft tissue in minor impacts. In more forceful impacts, though, this fluid does not provide enough of a cushion to prevent the tissue from colliding with the inside of the skull, which can result in a concussion.

According to WebMD, the most common symptoms of a concussion fall into four main categories. A minor TBI can affect your physical health, emotional state, sleeping habits, and ability to focus. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Headaches;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Irritability;
  • Anxiousness;
  • Sadness;
  • Fatigue;
  • Insomnia;
  • Confusion;
  • Amnesia;
  • Trouble concentrating; and
  • Mental lethargy;

Young children are especially vulnerable to concussions, but when they sustain a minor TBI, it can be hard to identify the symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents should look for these signs following head trauma:

  • Excessive fussiness and crying;
  • Lack of interest in favorite blanket or toy;
  • Poor balance or an unsteady gait; and
  • A major change in sleeping or eating habits.

How Long Do the Symptoms of a Concussion Last?

TBIs are complicated, and every brain injury is different. For this reason, there is no set standard when it comes to the total duration of a concussion. Sometimes, the signs and symptoms may not show up right away, and when they do, they can last for days, weeks, or even months.

How Do You Treat a Concussion?

There is no way to treat a concussion, but individuals can facilitate the brain’s natural healing process by getting plenty of rest. Some accident victims may need to stay at the hospital for observation after sustaining a TBI, while others can go home with their loved ones.

If you suffered a mild traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle collision with a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you incurred. Contact The Downs Law Firm today to determine the most strategic way to proceed.

Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Alexandria.