14 Aug What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Concussions can be caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and/or upper body. Concussions are common if you play a contact sport and can occur if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Some concussions cause you to lose consciousness, but most do not. It’s possible to have a concussion and not realize it. Symptoms immediately after a concussive event may include headache, loss of memory (amnesia) and confusion. The amnesia usually involves forgetting all or parts of the event that caused the concussion.
Sometimes the symptoms of a concussion are subtle and do not show up immediately. These may include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed
- Fatigue
Other symptoms may be delayed for hours or days after injury, such as:
- Concentration and memory complaints
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological adjustment problems and depression
- Disorders of taste and smell
Many people recover fully after a concussion but sometimes symptoms can last days, weeks or even longer.
Concussions in infants and toddlers can be difficult to recognize because they can’t describe how they feel. Concussion clues may include:
- Appearing dazed
- Listlessness and tiring easily
- Irritability and crankiness
- Loss of balance and unsteady walking
- Crying excessively
- Change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Lack of interest in favorite toys
At Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota, we have the knowledge and experience to help you if you have suffered a concussion in a motor vehicle accident. Contact us for a free consultation.