In Cincinnati, accidents are an unfortunately common part of daily life. Most people will associate that with an auto accident, but other types of incidents can occur and cause injuries and death. That includes slipping and falling, being hit with an object, a work injury, being hurt while taking part in an athletic activity and more.
Many injuries are obvious. For example, if a person has a cut or broken bones, they will see it, feel it and get treatment. Other injuries are not as clear. Back injuries and internal damage fall into this category. A head injury is especially worrisome. Often, when there has been an accident, people do not even realize how severe the impact was. Concussions are problematic because they are difficult to diagnose and people do not immediately realize the full extent of the damage. Understanding post-concussive symptoms is key to recognizing the signs.
What should I know about post-concussive symptoms?
In general, medical professionals give a baseline for recovery time when people have suffered a concussion. A concussion can cause headaches, feeling dizzy and losing the ability to remember and concentrate. Most concussions resolve themselves within a week to a few months at most. However, since so much about the brain is unknown, many suffer from post-concussive symptoms.
A person with a concussion who is taking longer than expected to recover could be suffering from post-concussion syndrome. In addition to the symptoms listed above, they might feel more fatigued than normal, be irritable, have trouble sleeping, feel anxious, have vision issues, be sensitive to light and have a consistent ringing in the ears. The headaches are also different as they tend to be tension-related or a migraine.
Some have a greater chance of developing post-concussive symptoms. Older people are vulnerable. Women have been found to have a higher incidence of post-concussive symptoms than men. This could be a statistical anomaly due to men being less likely to seek medical care than women.
Sensitive injuries like concussions require experienced and professional assessment
An accident happening during a simple drive to the store, a bike ride or a walk could suddenly lead to people having long-term challenges. A harder impact does not necessarily mean greater severity. There are many factors. Those who were in a collision should avoid preconceived notions about a potential concussion or post-concussive symptoms.
Many issues are likely to arise after suffering a concussion or other types of head trauma. People could be negatively impacted with how they function every day. They could need help with performing basic tasks. Their work could be hindered. There will be medical expenses and various treatments to address the problem and try to find solutions.
Accidents can happen without warning and it is important to be prepared for the aftermath. Consulting with professionals who are experienced in all types of personal injury cases can assess the situation and determine how to move forward. Head injuries particularly require advanced skills and expertise. It is unwise to gamble when deciding what steps to take. Calling for qualified advice after the accident is key.