Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Concussion
A concussion is a mild form of TBI. It results from a sudden jolt or shaking of the head. It can occur as a result of a fall, car crash impact, sports injury, or other traumatic event. Regardless of how you suffered a concussion, it is a dangerous condition and must be treated properly to prevent sustained and long term damage to the brain’s fragile substance and tissues. The initial symptoms of a concussion are often immediate pain and continuing discomfort. A traumatic brain injury attorney can inform you about your right to recover compensation for your losses.
Short term health effects
A number of concussion victims become unconscious immediately upon experiencing the initial trauma. Others never blackout or lose consciousness. Some individuals do not feel the effects until several hours after the event.
The brain functions as other tissues in the body do when injured. It fills up with fluid which results in swelling. However, the brain does not have anywhere to release the pressure that builds up from the fluid. The symptoms of this increased pressure include memory issues, headaches, confusion, and vomiting. If the concussion is mild in nature, the individual may still experience symptoms for up to one year after the incident.
Long term health issues
Concussion victims often live with debilitating medical conditions throughout their lives. These include:
- A person senses can be negatively affected from a concussion. Hearing, vision, and touch may be reduced, which can have a negative effect on individual’s orientation and sense of balance. A person dealing with a concussion may also have trouble recognizing how much time has passed. Another symptom is increased pain sensitivity.
- Concussion victims can have difficulty processing and evaluating information in the surrounding environment. This can include difficulty with memory, understanding conversation, and expressing one’s thoughts. As well, difficulties making decisions or remaining attentive can also affect the concussion survivor.
- Persons who have endured a concussion often experience not only pain, but also a feeling of mental weariness and general fatigue. Other symptoms can include tremors, paralysis, and seizures. A concussion victim may experience sleep problems, over sensitivity to darkness or light, and slurred speech. Children who suffer concussions are susceptible to problems involving brain development.
If you are suffering from the effects of the concussion due to the negligent actions of another party, it’s important to get the medical attention you need to begin your recovery. In addition, the Maryland brain injury lawyers at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. can review your case, determine your eligibility to recover financial compensation for your losses, and fight vigorously for a favorable settlement on your behalf. To set up a free case review with a compassionate and helpful Maryland traumatic brain injury attorney from our team, call us today at 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form.
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Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice, and assists victims of personal injury, car accidents and medical malpractice throughout the state. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.