The most common type of brain injury is a concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A concussion can occur after a blow or jolt to the head or when a sudden force causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
Although concussions are classified as mild TBIs, symptoms can affect your concentration, sleep, work, and daily activities. If you suffered a head injury in an accident, a West Hollywood brain injury lawyer can determine whether you may have a claim and explain your legal options.
Why is a Concussion the Most Common Type of Brain Injury?
A concussion can occur in many situations involving a sudden impact or rapid movement of the head. Car crashes, falls, sports injuries, bicycle accidents, and other incidents can cause the brain to shift within the skull and temporarily alter its function.
Most traumatic brain injuries that occur each year are mild TBIs or concussions. However, the word “mild” refers to the initial medical classification of the injury. It does not mean that every concussion has minor symptoms or resolves quickly.
Some people notice symptoms immediately, while others do not develop noticeable problems until hours or days later. This delay can make a concussion easier to overlook, especially when there is no visible head wound or loss of consciousness.
What is a Concussion Specifically?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a force to the body that causes rapid movement of the head and brain. This movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and can stretch or damage brain cells.
You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. You may remain awake and alert after an accident and still develop symptoms later.
A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, cognitive function, balance, memory, and other signs of a possible concussion. Imaging such as a CT scan may be used when there is concern about bleeding or another structural injury, but a CT scan is not generally used to diagnose a concussion itself.
What Symptoms Can the Most Common Traumatic Brain Injury Cause?
The most common brain injuries can cause physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. The type and duration of symptoms vary from person to person.
Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness or balance problems.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Blurred or disturbed vision.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Memory problems.
- Feeling foggy or slowed down.
- Irritability or emotional changes.
- Fatigue or low energy.
- Changes in sleep.
Symptoms can appear immediately or develop later. If you notice new or worsening symptoms following a head injury, seek medical care.
Are All Brain Injuries Concussions?
No. A concussion is a common type of traumatic brain injury, but traumatic brain injuries can range widely in severity.
Other forms of TBI may include:
- Brain contusions, which involve bruising of brain tissue.
- Diffuse axonal injuries, which can occur when rapid movement damages nerve fibers in the brain.
- Penetrating brain injuries caused by an object entering the skull.
- Intracranial hemorrhages involving bleeding within or around the brain.
A concussion can still cause significant symptoms even though it is classified as a mild TBI. Any suspected brain injury should be medically evaluated, particularly when symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with normal activities.
When Should You See a Doctor After a Head Injury?
You should seek medical evaluation if you develop symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, vision changes, or unusual fatigue after a head injury. A healthcare provider can assess whether your symptoms are consistent with a concussion or another injury.
Certain symptoms require emergency medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care for warning signs such as:
- A headache that worsens and does not go away.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Slurred speech.
- Increasing confusion or unusual behavior.
- One pupil that is larger than the other.
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
Medical care also creates a record of your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. If your injury resulted from another person’s conduct, these records may later help document when your symptoms began and how the injury affected you.
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How Do Common Brain Injuries Happen?
Common brain injuries, such as concussions, do not always require a direct strike to the head. A sudden force to the body can also cause the head and brain to move rapidly enough to cause an injury.
Concussions and other TBIs may result from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Falls from heights.
- Workplace incidents.
- Sports and recreational activities.
- Falling objects.
- Assaults and other violent incidents.
The circumstances surrounding the injury can affect whether another person, property owner, business, employer, or other party may be legally responsible.
Can a Concussion Have Long-Term Effects?
Yes. Although many people recover from a concussion within days or weeks, some experience symptoms for months or longer. Ongoing symptoms may affect concentration, sleep, mood, memory, physical activity, and the ability to work or attend school.
People who have previously suffered a concussion or other TBI may also experience a slower recovery. Age, prior health conditions, the nature of the injury, and additional head injuries can affect recovery.
Long-lasting symptoms can create medical expenses, lost income, and changes in everyday functioning. Keeping records of your treatment, symptoms, missed work, and other injury-related losses can help document how the concussion has affected your life.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a Brain Injury Accident?
If another person or business may have caused your injury, a lawyer can investigate the circumstances and evaluate whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim. In California, negligence claims generally require evidence that another party acted carelessly and caused your injury.
A lawyer can also help gather and preserve evidence, including:
- Accident or incident reports.
- Photographs and video footage.
- Witness information.
- Medical records and bills.
- Employment and wage records.
- Insurance documents.
- Evidence showing how the injury has affected your daily activities.
Depending on the facts, a personal injury claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, ongoing treatment, and other losses caused by the injury. A lawyer can also communicate with insurers, assess settlement offers, and explain the legal options available to you.
Talk to Omega Law Group About Your Common Brain Injury Claim
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has more than 20 attorneys representing injury clients, and we take a hands-on, client-first approach to every case.
Consultations are free, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We are available 24/7 to take calls from prospective clients, with Spanish-language assistance available.
If someone else caused your brain injury, contact Omega Law Group to discuss what happened and the legal options available to you under California law.
