The Seriousness of a Concussion May Surprise You The Seriousness of a Concussion May Surprise You
While many people don’t worry too much when they consider the effects of concussions, these brain injuries can, nevertheless, be extremely dangerous. In fact,
concussions related to high-impact sports such as football have received a lot of recent media attention for their potential to cause serious, long-lasting brain injuries. Every concussion is a serious concussion.
What Are Concussions
Defining a concussion can be described as a form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that harms your brain’s ability to function. A concussion can lead to many health disturbances—including headaches, difficulty concentrating, and balance and coordination disturbances—which are typically temporary. Like all TBIs, concussions are most often caused by either a violent shaking of the head or a blow to the head (such as often happens in car accidents,
slips and falls, and sports-related accidents).
The Seriousness of Concussions
Although concussions are milder forms of traumatic brain injuries, they are still frequently responsible for serious health risks that necessitate immediate medical attention. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that concussions account for the majority of TBIs and that TBIs contribute to nearly a third of all U.S. injury-related fatalities. These statistics highlight the seriousness of concussions.
The Effects of a Concussion
Not every concussion makes itself known immediately—thus, many concussions go undetected and untreated. Nevertheless, recognizable symptoms are typically associated with concussions:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Sudden fatigue
- Balance issues
- Sudden inability to concentrate
Take every concussion (or potential concussion) seriously. Always seek medical attention if you think you suffered a concussion.
Concussions and Their Causes
As identified by the
Mayo Clinic, several primary causes of concussions (and other
TBIs) include:
- Slips and falls
- Vehicular accidents
- Sports injuries
Falls are the number one cause of TBIs and, thus, of concussions, and no one is immune to taking a tumble from time to time. While many falls result in little more than embarrassment, falls sometimes lead to serious injuries. Those most at risk for incurring serious injuries from falls include young children and the elderly. Car accidents are another leading cause of concussions and other TBIs. Even minor car accidents can lead to serious concussions. When vehicles collide, drivers and passengers inside experience significant force that is capable of causing serious injuries. Sports are a great way to stay healthy and energized, but they come with risks. High impact sports like football and wrestling are most closely associated with concussion risks.
If you suffered a concussion that someone else’s negligence caused, first seek immediate medical attention, then consult with a skilled Richmond personal injury lawyer. The
legal team at Emroch & Kilduff has the experience, expertise, and dedication to advocate for your just compensation, and we’re here to help. Please
contact or call us at (804) 358-1568 for an initial consultation today.
