Delayed Concussion Symptoms

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 190 U.S. citizens die from TBI-related injuries every day. Most concussions are minor injuries, but getting the correct treatment for your injury as soon as possible could make the difference between complete recovery and ongoing problems. 

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is usually caused by an impact to the head, often because of a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. Some concussions cause a loss of consciousness, but the majority do not. 

During an impact, the brain can bounce inside the skull, hitting against the hard surfaces of bone that surround the brain. Concussions don’t usually cause permanent brain damage, nor are they usually fatal, but both outcomes are possibilities. Experiencing multiple concussions increases a person’s risk of developing serious brain health problems. 

Younger people who experience a single concussion are at a higher risk of having multiple concussions. In the U.S., over half of all emergency room visits that involve children ages 5 to 18 are because of a concussion. 

Understanding Delayed Concussion Symptoms

With a concussion, blood vessels and nerves within the brain can be injured or stretched. These cause chemical alterations that result in temporary changes in brain function. Concussion symptoms are typically noticeable immediately after the injury, but sometimes they are delayed. Delayed symptoms may not become apparent for many hours or days after the injury. 

Delayed symptoms aren’t more painful or more serious, but delaying treatment can increase the risk of complications. If you’ve fallen for any reason, including a worksite accident, be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness, balance problems, lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Conduction
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory loss
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping more or less than usual)
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression

A concussion can leave you feeling “off” even when you can’t identify specific symptoms. If you feel like you’re in a fog or just don’t feel like yourself after a head injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Concussion Risk Factors

Anyone can get a concussion at any time. However, some people have a higher risk, including:

• People younger than 4 and older than 65 (both groups have an increased risk for falling)
• People in jobs such as construction or landscaping
• Anyone who has already had one concussion
• Athletes who play contact sports

Teens and adolescents don’t have as high a risk as seniors and very young children, but growing kids often go through a period of awkwardness that includes poor coordination. If your teenager experiences a blow to the head for any reason, schedule a medical checkup. 

Related readings: I Got Hit by a Car While Walking, What Should I Do Next?, What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Potential Complications Of Concussion

Whether a person’s symptoms are evident immediately after an accident or they are delayed, complications can arise. One common complication is post-concussion syndrome (PCS). With PCS, people can experience symptoms for months or even years after their original injury. 

Other potential complications include:

• Midline shift of the brain inside the skull
• Bleeding inside the skull
• Skull fracture
• Swelling in the brain

Experiencing multiple concussions may increase the risk of serious complications. 

Delayed Or Immediate, Concussion Symptoms Are Serious

Concussions shouldn’t be ignored. Though they are common injuries, they can also be a serious health risk. Delayed symptoms are the same as immediate symptoms — they simply take longer to present themselves. 

If you or someone you know has taken a fall while walking, biking, working, or playing, follow up with the appropriate medical care. While delayed symptoms don’t indicate a health crisis, delaying treatment could cause one. 

Contact The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, please contact the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.

We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.

O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
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Buffalo, New York, 14210
716-222-2222