Brian White | November 10, 2023 | Brain Injury
Concussions are much more common than many people believe and can occur in a variety of circumstances. The force necessary to cause these brain injuries is also less than you may think, and not all concussions appear the same. In fact, many people get a concussion without losing consciousness at all.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes varying levels of impairment of brain function. Typically, the effects of a concussion are short-lived, but some experience them for longer periods of time.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions often produce physical symptoms after a blow to the head.
If you notice any of the following physical manifestations after your head experiences trauma, you may be experiencing a concussion:
- Headache
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
Cognitive symptoms can also occur.
These are symptoms that manifest through your performance of certain everyday tasks and may include:
- Confusion or fogginess
- Memory recall problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Delayed response to stimuli
- Repetitiveness
Additionally, concussion symptoms may affect a person’s mood or humor and produce unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors.
For example, a concussion sufferer may exhibit:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment problems
Fortunately, concussion symptoms tend to clear up over time. In many cases, they only last for days but may be present for weeks and even months.
When they get no better and continue to manifest, however, it is likely that the sufferer has experienced some level of deep trauma to the brain.
Can You Get a Concussion Without Losing Consciousness?
It is possible to get a concussion without losing consciousness. According to medical reports and research, the majority of concussion sufferers do not lose consciousness after experiencing a concussion. Instead, they experience many of the other possible symptoms, such as dizziness or headache.
When the symptoms are minor, many opt to forgo medical treatment, while others choose to head to the hospital immediately. In every case involving head injuries, it is usually wisest to err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment. Your head injury could be more serious than outward symptoms suggest.
What Does It Mean When a Concussion Causes Loss of Consciousness?
A loss of consciousness after experiencing a concussion can signify a serious brain injury, especially if someone loses consciousness for more than 30 minutes. With that being said, short losses of consciousness due to a concussion are not typically indications of more serious brain damage but may be in some cases.
Seeking Compensation For a Concussion
Depending on how your concussion occurs, you may be entitled to damages for your economic and non-economic losses.
Some of the more common contexts for TBIs and concussions include:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Work accidents
- Sports activities
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Intentional acts
In traffic accidents, compensation often comes from the at-fault driver in Texas. However, in work accidents, concussion accidents are often covered by workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, workers’ comp only offers limited compensation, but it may be possible to sue a third party if they had a hand in the worker’s injuries and losses.
Protecting Yourself and Your Interests After Suffering a Concussion
There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from a concussion, including wearing proper safety equipment whenever necessary and abiding by safety rules on the road, at work, and anywhere else. You can also protect your financial interests by speaking with a lawyer if someone else is to blame for causing you to suffer a concussion.
Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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