3 Things You Need to Know About Concussions

According to Head Case, 3,800,000 concussions were reported in 2012, double of what was reported in 2002.

This growing and troubling form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a huge effect on brain function. Usually caused by a violent impact to the head or upper body, a TBI can produce results that are often temporary but can lead to long lasting issues if multiple concussions occur over a period of time.

Unfortunately, many of the individuals who suffer from concussions are young children and teenagers who participate in contact sports such as football, soccer, or martial arts.

Your New Orleans concussion and head injury attorneys at Cardone Law Firm have handled a variety of TBI cases over the years for individuals of all ages. Our team is exceedingly knowledgeable and familiar with the complexities of these types of lawsuits.

If you believe you or a loved one has recently suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury, please refer to the following information below.

1. The Different Categories of Concussions

As with any injury – especially head and brain injuries – seeking medical attention is absolutely vital. Failure to treat a concussion can lead to more serious and potentially life threatening health issues.

It is also important to recognize that not all concussions cause the individual to lose consciousness; this can lead to a parent or loved one overlooking the issue and failing to help the victim receive proper medical treatment.

Concussions are typically categorized under three grades relative to their seriousness:

Grade 1 Concussions: This level of concussion is described as an altered mental state or confusion that can last less than 15 minutes with NO loss of consciousness.
Grade 2 Concussions: These are identified by an altered mental state that can last LONGER than 15 minutes with NO loss of consciousness.
Grade 3 Concussions: The most severe grade, concussions under this category lead to brief or extended periods of unconsciousness.

The symptoms and effects of concussions vary per individual and can last for days, weeks, or longer. Additionally, the symptoms may not initially occur following a concussion; they may take time to affect the victim.

2. Signs of Concussions

Signs and symptoms of concussions may occur immediately or may be delayed for a few hours (or even days) following the injury. Because of the nature of the injury, not every individual will suffer from the same symptoms, so it is important to be on the lookout for subtle changes in the individual and their behavior.

Common signs that a concussion or traumatic brain injury has occured include:

Headache or pressure in the head
Confusion
Loss of memory of the event
Temporary loss of consciousness
Dizziness (“seeing stars”)
Nausea
Vomiting
Communication difficulties
Fatigue

A few of the symptoms that tend to be delayed include:

Sensitivity to light or noise
Concentration issues
Increased irritability and/or aggressiveness
Bouts of depression
Difficulty controlling emotions

Young children and adolescents who suffer a concussion will likely suffer the same symptoms as well as:

Weakness and easily tired
Crankiness
Loss of balance
Issue with walking
Excessive crying
Change in behavior, sleeping, and eating patterns
Lack of interest in toys or hobbies

Regardless of how severe you believe the injury is, it is always in the best interest of the individual who has suffered a concussion or TBI to visit a doctor.

3. The Seven Steps Regarding Concussions & Recovery</strong

Whether you or your loved one has suffered a concussion as a result of sports, a car accident, or other personal injury accident, there are a number of steps that should be taken to protect the individual from incurring further damage:

If the injury occurs as a result of sports or physical activity, stop all play and activity.
Assess for signs and symptoms of a concussion or TBI.
A proper medical evaluation with a professional should be taken to ensure that the individual is not in serious danger.
The child or adult should be removed from participating in any “contact-risk activity”. Symptoms of a concussion can last between 7-10 days, and this increases an athlete’s risk of suffering another concussion which are often more severe.
Recovery time is dependent on the severity of the concussion, the age of the individual, and the recommended time suggest to you by a qualified doctor.
Keep all appropriate parties informed about the concussion and steps related to recovery.
Once the clinical recovery has ended, physical activity should be gradually increased. It is recommended that a 48-hour space occurs between:

First step – moderate activity without moving (i.e. stationary bike)
Second step – activity while moving (i.e. jogging)
Third step – drills with no contact
Fourth step – practice with contact
Fifth step – contact in competition

Concussions can lead to a number of mental and physical complications. Seeking proper medical care is of utmost importance to not only your health or the health of a loved one but also when developing a traumatic head injury case.

If you or your child has suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury due to a sports accident, car wreck, defective product, or dangerous premises, Cardone Law Firm is here to help.

Don’t suffer alone. The dedicated and trustworthy New Orleans lawyers at the Cardone Law Firm are ready to help you obtain the medical care and recovery you need to rebuild your life. We have handled a variety of brain injury cases for clients that range from 5 to 78 years of age.

Our commitment to you and the details of your injury allows us to effectively fight for the compensation you need to get your life back to where it should be.