Hitting your head in a car accident can result in a brain injury. The most common of these injuries is a concussion. There are some misconceptions about what a concussion is and what it can mean for your health, so it’s important to know some facts about these injuries so that you can take the right course of action if you or a loved one experiences one.
Concussions Are Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that happens when an external force causes the brain to twist or move, hitting the skull. This damages blood vessels and impacts neurotransmitters, leading to chemical changes. Although it’s not considered a catastrophic injury, as other brain injuries are, a concussion can still leave you with frustrating symptoms.
Concussion Symptoms Aren’t Always Immediate
People often assume that if they don’t feel pain or experience confusion after a head impact, they have not suffered a concussion. That’s not always the case. Some people may lose consciousness or experience blurred vision right after the car accident, but that’s far from the norm. Most of the time, symptoms will appear over the next few hours or days.
The chemical changes that occur in the brain in response to an injury aren’t always immediate. As these changes begin, a variety of concussion symptoms may emerge, including:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Irritability
Some people don’t have any symptoms until days after the accident, which can lead to confusion and uncertainty about what could be causing them.
Not All Concussions Are The Same
Having an idea of the symptoms you may experience is important, but what you experience can depend greatly on which part of your brain was injured and numerous other factors.
You may read that the healing process can take a few days to a few weeks, but your injury could take longer to heal or improve more quickly. It’s vital to listen to your doctor and your body.
Rest Is Essential For Healing From A Concussion
Because these injuries are mild traumatic brain injuries, it’s common to assume that you can get right back to your normal life after suffering one. A mild brain injury will still need time to heal. Rest is the most important thing you can do for yourself as you recover, which likely means taking time off from work.
You may notice that you feel slowed down and fatigued. That may be a symptom of your head injury, as well as because your brain is using a lot of energy to heal itself.
You Can File A Claim For A Concussion
Even though there aren’t any medical treatments that can help with a concussion, it’s likely that you still went to the doctor to be seen after the accident. Your doctor may have ordered imaging studies to ensure that nothing else was causing your symptoms. Additionally, you will have missed days of work as you recover.
These are expenses and losses for which you can seek compensation. Your pain and suffering can also be factored into your claim.
Contact Joel E. Brown, P.C., For A Free Consultation With A Peoria Car Accident Lawyer
If you suffered a concussion after a car accident, you may be entitled to begin a personal injury claim. These are complex legal processes that you should not attempt without representation.
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