A concussion is one of the most common injuries sustained in an auto accident. Victims usually start experiencing symptoms like headaches and difficulty in balance right after the accident. However, some victims may experience symptoms more delayed than others. Even though concussions are not known to cause long-term impacts, treating them immediately is vital.
If you were injured in a car or truck accident and are experiencing concussion symptoms, get medical help as soon as possible. Once you know the underlying medical issue, hire a Lake Oswego car accident attorney to discuss your rights and options. If another party has hurt you, you should not be the one to pay for your medical bills.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
If you are experiencing medical symptoms after an accident and are wondering whether they indicate a concussion, here are some common symptoms to look out for.
- headache;
- sensitivity to light or noise;
- drowsiness or fatigue;
- the trouble with smell or taste;
- difficulty focusing or remembering;
- sleep disturbance;
- slurred speech;
- nausea or vomiting;
- blurry vision or vision changes;
- dizziness;
- ringing in the ears;
- problems finding your words or thinking clearly.
The effects of a brain vary from person to person, and you may not experience the same symptoms as others. However, you should see a doctor to get professionally diagnosed and receive a treatment plan. If treatment is delayed or mismanaged, it could lead to cognitive impairments impacting the rest of your life.
Risks of untreated concussion
- Personality changes.
Personality changes after a concussion can occur when you leave the condition untreated for a long time. It then manifests into sudden mood changes and swings. Things that never bothered you may start triggering anger outbursts. Untreated concussions can also cause memory loss and brain fog.
- Memory problems.
A decent memory is important for various aspects of life, especially for your education and career. Memory loss can occur even with mild concussions and impact your ability to remember. Untreated concussions can cause a person to forget details about recent events, details of the accident or how it happened, lose track of what day or time it is, etc.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
Sensitivity to light or noise is a common symptom after a concussion. It happens due to the autonomic nervous system, the vestibular system, dysfunction or dysregulation of the thalamus, or the superior colliculus. Sensitivity to light, also called photophobia, can result in headaches, eye pain, or fatigue. Additional complications may include blurry vision, double vision, or eye strain.