SIGNS OF BRAIN INJURY AND CONCUSSION – MN LAWYERS
After an accident, a person may not initially know that they have a concussion or mild brain injury. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion or brain injury, so that you can get the appropriate treatment to promote healing. Our Minnesota TBI attorneys are experienced with brain injury and concussion cases. Here is an article from the U.S. Center for Disease Control discussing brain injury symptoms to look out for after an accident.
Concussion/Brain Injury
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Concussion/Brain Injury?
Fortunately, most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. However, for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children, and teens. Also, those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one. Unfortunately, it also takes longer to recover if there was a prior concussion.
Symptoms of brain injury/concussion usually fall into four categories:
| Thinking/ Remembering | Physical | Emotional/ Mood | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty thinking clearly | Headache Fuzzy or blurry vision |
Irritability | Sleeping more than usual |
| Feeling slowed down | Nausea or vomiting (early on) Dizziness |
Sadness | Sleep less than usual |
| Difficulty concentrating | Sensitivity to noise or light Balance problems |
More emotional | Trouble falling asleep |
| Difficulty remembering new information | Feeling tired, having no energy | Nervousness or anxiety |
Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury. Often, it is not recognized until the person starts resuming their everyday life after the accident and more demands are placed upon them. In many cases, people do not recognize or admit that they are having problems. Others may not understand why they are having problems, which can make them nervous and upset.
The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be difficult to sort out. Early on, problems may be missed by the person with the concussion. In fact, even family members doctors may miss signs in the beginning. People may look fine even though they are acting or feeling differently.
See Getting Better, for tips to help aid your recovery after a concussion.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Danger Signs in Adults In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion. This can push the brain against the skull. See help right away if you have any of the following danger signs after a bump to the head:
- Headache that gets worse and does not go away.
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
- Repeated vomiting or nausea.
- Slurred speech.
At home, the people checking on you should take you to an emergency department right away if you:
- Look very drowsy or cannot be awakened.
- Have one pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other.
- Have convulsions or seizures.
- Cannot recognize people or places.
- Are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated.
- Exhibitunusual behavior.
- Lose consciousness (a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously, and the person should be carefully monitored).
Concussion Danger Signs in Children
Likewise, take your child to the emergency department right away if they received a blow to the head and:
- Have any of the danger signs for adults listed above.
- Will not stop crying and cannot be consoled.
- Will not nurse or eat.
CONCUSSION BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEYS
Pam Rochlin and David Rochlin are top rated lawyers in MN with more than 25 years’ experience. We have successfully represented hundreds of people who have been injured in an accident, including many brain injury cases. Pam Rochlin is a former partner with Meshbesher & Spence. In addition, she served on the Board of the Minnesota Association for Justice, and was the president of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Association. The primary focus of our brain injury accident attorneys is to make sure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, wage loss, and other more.
If you or someone you love has sustained a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an accident, contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. An experienced brain injury attorney can meet you at our office or your home. Also, see our brain injury resources page for additional information regarding brain injury treatment in Minnesota.