The possibility of a concussion is one of the reasons why you should see a doctor right after a car accident in Jackson. Concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but don’t be misled by the word “mild.” The consequences may be serious and long-term.
Although most people recover from a concussion in a few days or weeks, some will be left with debilitating symptoms. Medical supervision is crucial, and it’s essential to recognize that symptoms may not be apparent immediately. A car accident attorney in Jackson can help you or your loved one deal with the aftermath of a preventable collision.
Why Concussions are Common After Car Accidents
Concussions occur after impacts, but a direct impact to the head is not the only way you can be concussed. When your car is involved in a crash, its momentum causes your brain to move rapidly back and forth inside your skull. This can lead to brain injury.
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) report that motor vehicle accidents are the third-most common cause of traumatic brain injury in the United States. A low-speed rear-end car accident may not seem like a serious crash, but you should still recognize the possibility of a concussion and see a doctor as soon as possible.
The Consequences of Concussion Can Affect Your Future Wellbeing
As noted, some people will recover after a concussion, but it may take between one and three months to recover. This alone is bad enough, but around 30 percent of concussion victims experience post-concussion syndrome (PCS). It affects people in different ways and may manifest as a cluster of physical or cognitive symptoms. Sleep disorders and mood-related or behavioral symptoms are also common.
Physical Symptoms of Concussion
The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are basically a longer-lasting version of the symptoms you experience shortly after a concussion. Physical symptoms include:
- Headaches or sensations of pressure
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Sensory sensitivity
- Tinnitus
- Vision disturbances
Other symptoms are possible, but headaches or sensations of pressure are among the most common concussion and post-concussion symptoms.
Cognitive Symptoms
Because a concussion is a brain injury, cognition can also be affected, sometimes, in the long term. People with a concussion or post-concussion complications may experience:
- Memory and learning issues
- Short attention span
- Difficulty ordering their thoughts
- Confusion
Children are particularly vulnerable, and a concussion after a car accident or fall may impair their development.
Disordered Sleep
You know how you used to sleep, but something has clearly changed. This cluster of symptoms is difficult to pinpoint because it can manifest in various forms.
- You sleep more than usual
- You sleep less than usual
- You keep waking up when you would ordinarily have slept through
With sleep refreshing our minds and helping us to order our thoughts, sleep disturbance negatively impacts productivity and clarity.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral changes can be associated with a concussion. If you find yourself shocked by the way your mood and behavior have changed after a concussion, you are exhibiting classic symptoms that may be long-lasting. These include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
These issues can affect relationships, impact your professional life, and make it difficult to relate to loved ones who simply don’t know why your behavior and mood have taken a dramatic turn.
Never Assume You Are Uninjured After Your Car Accident In Jackson
The message is clear. Even if you think you are perfectly fine after a car accident, you should still get medical attention. A concussion doesn’t always involve being “knocked out,” even for a few seconds, but it may affect your ability to work, harm your relationships, and prevent you from enjoying life in the same way you could before the accident.
Although 70 percent of people do recover after a mild traumatic brain injury, you may still find that you are unable to work for some time, losing income while paying medical bills. If you did not cause the accident in which you were injured, you can seek compensation. Whether your injury is short-lived or persistent, a Jackson personal injury lawyer can help you recover your costs and more.
Do not wait to find out just how much a concussion will affect you. Hearn Law Firm can start building a case for you right away. Your case assessment is free, so contact us for an appointment. While your doctor takes care of your physical health, we can seek ways to protect your financial health.