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Concussions and TBI’s are a Dangerous Game

Written by Mauricio Laos, Pre-Litigation Assistant at Rubenstein Law The Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. The movie “Concussion” starring Will Smith and the more recent discussions with athletes and Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has brought traumatic brain injuries (TBI) into the spotlight. But what about when someone has a concussion during a car accident? Is it common knowledge that car accident or even a fall can cause a concussion and/or TBI? People who are injured in a car accident might feel like they are foggy or in a haze due to the impact, but because of the adrenaline after the accident or the pain of another more immediate injury, the concussion symptoms aren’t even noticed or realized. Even more shocking sometimes the symptoms of a concussion can take days or weeks to become appear. It is important for the injury to be diagnosed, but what if the symptoms are more subtle or delayed or what if the doctor or EMT doesn’t ask the right questions? Some of the symptoms associated with concussions include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Decreased coordination
  • Mood changes
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss

It’s important to have the symptoms associated with a concussion diagnosed as soon as possible because concussions can lead to problems further down the road such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • CTE

A neurologist will be most adept at diagnosing a brain injury. They can examine your symptoms and make therapeutic recommendations such as:

  • Diagnostic testing
  • Cognitive therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Vocational therapy

Before understanding concussions and TBI, I would’ve said that a herniated disc in the back or neck or a broken bone was the most severe injury, excluding death or paralysis from a car accident or bad fall. With concussions, the brain is the part that is affected and not enough is being done to address the symptoms and long-term repercussions of Traumatic Brain Injury. As a result, people are left undiagnosed and untreated and can suffer long-term, debilitating issues that can affect not only the health of the injured person but their friends, family and loved ones as well. If you are a loved one are ever involved in an accident and wonder if there could be a TBI or concussion injury as a result, talk to your doctor, ask for the tests, advocate for yourself and your family. We can help; our Traumatic Brain Injury Team specializes in these types of cases and has the experience, specialist and resources you want on your side. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Call Rubenstein Law today. 1-800-FL-LEGAL.

 

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