Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when the brain is jolted in a way that moves it rapidly inside the skull. Some concussion symptoms show up right away, but others can take hours, days, or even weeks to appear. This delay can make it difficult to connect the symptoms to the initial injury.
It’s important to know which symptoms to look for after experiencing an accident involving any type of head injury.
Can Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?
Many people initially feel fine after a head injury, only to develop symptoms later. The delay can be as little as a few hours, but some people don’t notice the symptoms for weeks. Sometimes, people don’t realize they have a concussion at all because the signs are so subtle or don’t seem related to the injury.
Signs of a Delayed Concussion
The exact symptoms of a concussion depend on how severe the injury is and what part of the brain is affected. However, when the symptoms are delayed, people tend to experience certain issues more often than others.
These symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor balance
- Confusion
- Mood changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
It’s also not uncommon for nausea to show up sometime after a blow to the head. Delayed vomiting after concussions is usually a red flag that the trauma is more serious than initially thought. But why are such symptoms sometimes delayed?
The brain’s response to trauma can take time. Swelling and chemical changes may take a while to build up, and adrenaline from an accident like a car crash or even a seemingly minor fall can mask pain and discomfort at first. Once things settle down, though, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and confusion quickly become noticeable.
Can Concussion Symptoms Come and Go?
It’s possible for concussion symptoms to fluctuate. Some people experience a cycle of feeling better followed by a sudden return of symptoms. This can be confusing and frustrating, but it’s a known pattern in many concussion cases.
For example, you might go for a week without any signs of head trauma, only to suddenly wake up feeling dizzy and irritable. Physical and mental exertion can trigger symptoms to appear, especially if your brain hasn’t fully healed yet. Keep in mind that this stop-and-start pattern doesn’t mean you’re in the clear just because you feel fine for a little while.
What to Do if You Suspect a Delayed Concussion
If you or someone you know starts to experience any signs of a delayed concussion after a head injury, it’s important to take them seriously. Even if the symptoms seem mild or unrelated to the accident, they could be a sign of ongoing brain trauma. Immediate medical treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a safe recovery.
Concussions don’t typically show up on imaging scans, but doctors can still do various tests to rule out other more serious injuries like a brain bleed. Be honest about your symptoms when they ask questions, even if they appeared long after the accident. It can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis and come up with the right treatment plan.
In Illinois, if your concussion is a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may also be eligible to pursue compensation to help you pay for this medical care. You can explore your legal options by speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
Don’t Ignore Delayed Concussion Symptoms
Delayed concussion symptoms are more common than most people realize, and they can impact your life in surprising ways if they’re not taken care of promptly. When you know that the symptoms might not appear right away — and that they can come and go — you’ll be better able to recognize when you need to seek medical care.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria, IL for Assistance Today
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7