People involved in a car crash might notice certain symptoms shortly after the wreck that convince them to see a doctor. Maybe they have a headache that they didn’t have before the crash occurred. Perhaps they lost consciousness during the collision or feel a sense of nausea. They might even notice blurry vision or ringing in their ears that seems to be indicative of something seriously wrong.
A medical doctor evaluating someone after a car crash may diagnose them with a concussion. Is a concussion a brain injury?
Concussions result from trauma to the brain
Medical professionals might also call a concussion a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). They occur when blunt force trauma to the head causes damage to the brain. Concussions aren’t as severe as TBIs that leave people in comas, but they are still a serious medical issue.
Even a mild TBI can cause a host of lingering consequences. People may struggle with cognitive issues in addition to feeling physical discomfort. Their injuries might affect their earning potential or cause major medical expenses. The worst symptoms of a concussion may last for a month or longer, even with medical intervention. Proper treatment can improve someone’s long-term prognosis.
What initially seemed like a minor car crash and an inconsequential injury could quickly snowball into a very serious situation for someone. Those dealing with the consequences of a concussion after a car crash might need to file an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding the nature and potential impact of an injury might help people pursue justice after a wreck.