Concussion in a Car Accident
Concussions tend to be taken lightly. They don’t sound as bad as “traumatic brain injury”, but that’s what a concussion is. People often try to walk it off like they would with a scrape or a bruise, but a concussion can have severe and permanent effects on brain functions. That can mean expensive therapy and missed work.
Many times, people don’t even know they have suffered a brain injury at all. Effects caused by the concussion can take weeks or months to appear, and the victim may not know that the concussion caused these symptoms.
Causes of a Concussion
The two leading causes of brain injuries in Canada are falls and car accidents. The violent, sudden forces cause the brain to move and hit the inside of the skull, which is covered in bony ridges. This impact can cause bruising or bleeding in the brain. Some brain injuries, if they are not treated immediately, can get worse over time and cause even more damage to the brain.
Symptoms of a Concussion
- Pain in the head, neck or back
- Loss of ability to read, write, speak, hear or see
- Loss of mobility and muscle control
- Increased sensitivity to noise, touch, or certain types of lighting
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Poor or inappropriate language
- Sudden emotional outbursts
- Anxiety attacks
- Changes in personality
Do all Concussions heal?
It’s commonly thought that all concussions will heal, but that is not the case. For 10 to 15% of concussion victims, symptoms are still present a year after the injury. This is known as Chronic Post-Concussive Syndrome.
What to Do
It’s always a good idea to get a medical check-up after being involved in an accident, but that’s especially true if you think you may have suffered a brain injury. If left untreated, a brain injury can continue damaging the brain after the accident – this process is known as theCascade Effect.
If you think you may have suffered a brain injury in an accident, consider getting a free consultation with an injury lawyer who can help you evaluate the injury’s impact on your life and whether you are entitled to an insurance claim.
