People who have suffered a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) due to a car accident usually encounter a few problems:
- Their concussion may not have been diagnosed because they didn’t get medical attention. Some people dismiss their symptoms as simply being shaken up from the accident.
- Even if they were diagnosed with a concussion after a crash, they may not have health insurance. This could prevent them from receiving the assessment and treatment they need for their head injury.
- Their concussion may be overlooked due to more serious injuries like a leg fracture or open wound. Delayed concussion symptoms can also appear hours or days after a brain injury occurs.
The purpose of this post is two-fold:
To bring awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and to offer options for assessing and treating these conditions.
Signs of a Concussion or mTBI
Here are some of the most common signs of a concussion:
- Appearing dazed
- Balance issues
- Blurred vision
- Changes in moods
- Changes in the senses (difficulty smelling/tasting, sensitivity to sound/light)
- Confusion
- Crying and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fogginess
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep impairment
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
Long-Term Consequences
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are serious, especially if left undiagnosed or untreated. Evidence shows that TBIs can actually reduce life expectancy and increase the risk of developing dementia — a “mild” TBI without loss of consciousness doubles the risk compared to individuals who have never suffered a concussion.
How to Get Assessed for a Concussion
One of the tools available to concussion injury victims is a company called BrainCussion. They use an objective, FDA-cleared online assessment to help healthcare providers evaluate whether a person has a brain injury and if it is safe for them to return to school or work.
This test tracks a patient’s:
- Visual and verbal memory
- Reaction time
- Mental processing speed
Patients can take the neurological test online using a laptop or computer. Most tests take about 30 minutes to complete. The healthcare providers can receive a copy of the patient’s scores, along with a full report to help them determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
A traumatic brain injury will most likely require a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and specialists to help the injured victim recover. Depending on the person's symptoms, they may require speech, physical, occupational or recreational therapy; adaptive equipment training; and counseling.
The costs of medical care, the consequences of being disabled from work, and the emotional suffering involved can be enormous. That’s why it's important for you to get the medical help and rehabilitation you need, as well as an Atlanta personal injury attorney at your side.
Gary Martin Hays & Associates features experienced personal injury lawyers who are familiar with how accidents cause concussions and brain injuries. And for Attorney Hays, helping people with head trauma is personal, as he underwent brain surgery several years ago.
Contact us now to protect your rights and have someone in your corner who will fight for you during this difficult time.
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