What Are The Risk Factors for Suffering Permanent Brain Damage After a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can result when your head gets jolted, hit, or bumped. It can also develop from a fall or anything that makes the head move suddenly and rapidly back and forth. The top causes of concussions include:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Falls
- Sports-related injuries
- Assault
Concussions can range from minor to serious, but they don’t always lead to permanent brain damage. However, suffering another concussion soon after the initial concussion doesn’t have to be serious for it to cause permanent brain damage.
Concussion Symptoms to Watch Out For
Concussion symptoms typically include the following:
- Physical symptoms, including headaches or difficulties with loud sounds or bright lights
- Cognitive symptoms, such as confusion or brain fog and difficulty remembering recent events, including those right after or before suffering the concussion
- Sleep disturbances, including sleeping less or more than normal
- Emotional symptoms, such as nervousness, sadness, or irritability
Most individuals who suffer concussions recover fully and quickly. Others, however, can experience symptoms for several days, weeks, months, or longer. Usually, recovery may take longer for older adults, teens, and young children.
Concussion Can Sometimes Lead to Permanent Brain Damage
While most individuals experience a full recovery after suffering serious concussions, the length of their recovery will depend on various factors. These factors usually include the severity of the concussion, the individual’s overall health before suffering the concussion, their age, and how they care for themselves following the injury.
Rest is particularly vital during recovery since it helps heal your brain. Brushing off concussion symptoms often makes them worse. You must only return to work or school once your symptoms have improved significantly and with your doctor’s approval.
Take note that if you were already suffering from a medical condition before getting a concussion, like migraines, for instance, your recovery may take longer. Depression and anxiety may likewise make it more difficult for you to endure your symptoms.
During your recovery, you must be extra careful to avoid bumping or getting your head hit again. The reason for this is that you have an increased risk of developing a secondary traumatic brain injury that can lead to brain swelling, blood clots in your brain, permanent brain damage, or worse, death.
After you’ve officially recovered, you must also avoid sustaining a concussion again. It’s critical to note that individuals who suffer repeat concussions may develop serious long-term or permanent brain damage that can cause chronic headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, balance and mobility issues, or a coma.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Clearwater Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has sustained a concussion or any kind of traumatic brain injury because of another individual or entity’s negligence, you have the right to demand fair compensation for the losses you suffered. The skilled Clearwater Personal Injury Attorneys of Tragos, Sartes & Tragos will guide you throughout the entire process and secure the financial compensation you are entitled to. Dial 727-441-9030 or reach us online to schedule your free consultation today.