Brian White | February 13, 2023 | Brain Injury
Most of us think we have a pretty good idea of how people get concussions. You’re in some sort of an accident, you hit your head, and you wind up with a concussion, right? But is it possible to get a concussion without ever hitting your head?
You might be surprised to learn what can cause concussions. Read on to learn more about these injuries and how they can occur.
What Is a Concussion?
Before we talk about whether you can get a concussion without hitting your head, let’s talk some about what a concussion is. A concussion happens when your brain collides with the inside of your skill. And it is true that this often happens when your head makes contact with a hard surface, such as the ground or a car dashboard.
As you might expect, this impact can cause damage to your brain. Some concussions are mild, and symptoms usually fade within a few days or weeks. But more serious concussions could cause permanent brain damage.
Getting multiple concussions could eventually lead to a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
The Short Answer
So is it possible to get a concussion without hitting your head? The simple answer is yes – if you stop suddenly enough, your brain can still run into the inside of your skull. Even if your head doesn’t make contact with anything, the forces involved in an accident can sling your brain around.
Even if you don’t hit your head, concussions can cause all the same devastation as a concussion where you do hit your head. Any time you’re involved in a serious impact, such as a car accident, it’s important to get checked by a doctor.
Concussion Symptoms
There are a few symptoms that can indicate you may have a concussion, even if you didn’t hit your head.
Physical symptoms can include
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Disorders of taste and smell
Mental symptoms can include
- Confusion or feeling as though you’re in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding your injury
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Depression and other psychological adjustment problems
People around you may also notice that you
- Passed out for a short period of time
- Have slurred speech
- Take a moment to respond to questions
- Appear dazed
- Ask the same questions over and over or show other signs of forgetfulness
If you show any of these symptoms after an accident, even if you didn’t your head, you need to get treatment right away.
How to Treat a Concussion
If you do wind up with a concussion, one of the most important things you can do is to rest. You should avoid doing anything too cognitively demanding, including reading, watching television, or playing video games. Instead, spend the first two days resting quietly and avoiding doing anything that makes your symptoms worse.
After those first forty-eight hours, you can start to gradually increase your activity level. You may be able to return to work or school for short periods of time, and you can spend a few minutes each day reading or watching television.
It’s important to always follow your doctor’s recommendations during this healing period.
Get Compensation for Your Concussion Injury
Although we typically think of a concussion as happening when you hit your head, the truth is that a concussion can happen even if your head never touched a thing. As long as there’s enough force to slam your brain into the inside of your skull, you can get a concussion. Any time you’re in an accident, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.
If you got a concussion in a Houston accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers are here to help you get the money you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, no obligation required.
Contact the Houston Brain Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston brain injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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