Friday, September 17, 2021, is National Concussion Awareness Day. Concussions are one of the most common types of injuries a person can suffer in an accident. Even what appears to be a minor blow or bump to the head can result in a concussion. Unfortunately, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can leave the victim with long-term and, in some cases, even permanent damage.
Concussion Facts
Any type of accident can result in a concussion, including sporting and recreational activities, vehicle accidents, and slip and fall accidents. Whenever there is a blow to the head or any sudden movements that causes the head to jerk back and forth, there is a risk of the brain getting jerked or bounced around in the skull. This movement can cause the chemicals in the brain to change and damage brain cells. This damage can have a significant impact on the victim’s personality and physical and cognitive abilities.
Symptoms of a concussion are often not always evident immediately following the accident. This is why it is critical for a victim to seek out medical attention right away, even if the injury appears to be a minor one. A doctor will evaluate the victim and determine if there are any signs of a concussion or other brain injury and provide details on what other symptoms to watch out for.
Some of the short- and long-term effects a concussion can have on an accident victim include the following:
- Impact on the victim’s memory and reasoning processes
- Impact on the victim’s language skills, including their ability to understand what is being said to them and to form sentences of their own
- Impact on the victim’s sensory system, including balance and vision
- Impact on the victim’s emotions, causing agitation, depression, and rage
Issues When There Have Been Previous Head Injuries
Head injury victims should also inform their doctors if they have suffered any other head injuries or concussions in the past. Multiple studies have shown that victims who have suffered repeated head trauma are at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE causes slow but progressive impairment to the victim’s physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. The condition is similar to Alzheimer’s disease, leaving the victim with dementia and total memory loss.
While the condition has been considered rare, it is becoming more widespread, especially in professional football and hockey players. These athletes often have a long history of repeated concussions and head trauma, often beginning in their high school and college playing days.
Contact a Joliet, IL Accident Attorney
Victims who suffer concussions often have to deal with a long recovery period that can affect their ability to work or even perform their normal day-to-day activities. Medical expenses for treatment can also be high. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, the victims may be able to pursue legal action in order to be financially compensated for all of their losses.
If you are a victim of an accident, contact a seasoned Will County brain injury attorney to find out what legal options you may have. Call Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer at 815-730-1977 to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370921
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
http://nationalconcussionawarenessday.com/index.html