Delayed-onset headaches and other symptoms could be signs of a serious concussion…
If you are experiencing concussion symptoms days after an accident, it might be a good idea to see a doctor right away.
Sometimes, injuries don’t cause symptoms right away. Instead, the symptoms develop slowly over days as inflammation sets in (or as the injury grows worse).
Other injuries may present with only mild symptoms soon after the accident, but then the symptoms may persist for days or even grow worse with time.
In either event, urgent medical attention is warranted.
In today’s article, we outline some of the classic red flags of concussion, why medical treatment is so important, and your rights after a concussion caused by someone else’s carelessness.
Concussion Symptoms
Many people believe that concussions always involve a loss of consciousness. This is a myth. In fact, the majority of people who suffer concussions never lose consciousness. Going unconscious (especially for long periods of time) is more typical of an especially severe concussion. But even “minor” concussions require urgent medical care.
Some symptoms of a concussion may be apparent right away. These can include:
- Headache (which may be described as a pain or a feeling of pressure in the head)
- Confusion / disorientation / delayed responses to questions
- Dizziness
- Difficulty remembering the accident
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Ringing in the ears
- “Seeing stars”
- Fatigue
- Appearing to be “dazed”
Other concussion symptoms may not be apparent until days after an accident. These can include (but are not necessarily limited to):
- Headaches
- Difficulty with concentration and/or memory
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in your sense of taste or smell
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Personality changes (e.g. irritability, mood changes, depression, confusion, etc.)
Common Causes of Concussion
Auto accidents are the #1 cause of concussions. Other common causes include:
- School sports injuries
- Recreational injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Medical or surgical errors, including birth injuries
- Falling objects
- Assault and battery (including fistfights)
Any of these incidents may lead to concussion symptoms days after an accident. Other types of accidents can cause a concussion as well. No matter what your accident looked like, it is important to seek medical care right away.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing concussion symptoms days after an accident, the time to see a doctor is now.
In the last few years, society has learned a lot about concussions. We now know that concussions are more serious than once thought and that even a “minor” concussion requires prompt treatment. Indeed, all concussions are now classified as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
It is important that you not belittle your symptoms or put off seeing a doctor. Seek treatment right away.
Talk to an Indianapolis Brain Injury Lawyer at Doehrman Buba Ring
If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion in Indiana and you believe someone else’s negligence might have contributed to the injury (such as in a car accident caused by irresponsible driving), we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible.
By talking with an experienced Indianapolis brain injury lawyer at the law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring, you can learn more about your rights and options under the law, which may include the right to financial compensation. Our office can help.
Our firm will not charge you a fee unless we are successful in recovering compensation for your claim. To learn more, please contact Doehrman Buba Ring and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Daniel J. Buba
Daniel J. Buba is a personal injury lawyer with Doehrman Buba Ring in Indiana in his twenty-seventh year as a litigator. Mr. Buba represents a variety of personal injury clients, including traumatic brain injury victims, clients injured as a result of interstate truck crashes, and birth injury cases.
He is a past President of the Indianapolis Bar Association, a past Chairman of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of Indiana. He has authored numerous legal papers and lectures at local and national legal seminars.