What are Concussions?

Concussions and other brain injuries are fairly common. About every 21 seconds someone in the United States has a serious brain injury. One of the most common reasons people get concussions is through a sports injury, fall, car accident or motorcycle accident.

Concussion is the most common type of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). A concussion is not just a bump on the head or a rattling of the brain. It is a mild brain injury that results in a temporary change in brain function. The brain is composed of soft tissues encased within the hard bone of the skull. A concussion occurs when your head is hit or jolted and your brain's soft tissue moves in reaction to the sudden force. At impact with the skull, the brain can become bruised, tissues can be torn and minor swelling can occur. An injury to the brain can cause neurons (nerve cells) and nerve tracts (neurological pathways) to change or not function properly. The changes in brain function can change the way you think, act or feel.

On rare occasions, concussions cause more serious problems. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may require surgery or lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning or speaking. Because of the small chance of permanent brain problems, it is important to contact your doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of a concussion.

It is not always easy to know if someone has suffered a concussion. Not everyone who has a concussion passes out. A person who might have sustained a head injury with concussion should immediately stop any kind of activity including sports. Becoming active again, before the brain returns to normal functioning, increases a person's risk of having a more serious brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can last for hours, days, weeks or even months; and can range from mild to severe. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately. Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Passing out.
• Not being able to remember what happened after the injury.
• Acting confused, asking the same question over and over, slurring words or not being able to concentrate.
• Feeling lightheaded, seeing "stars," having blurry vision or experiencing ringing in the ears.
• Not being able to stand or walk; or having coordination and balance problems.
• Feeling nauseous or throwing up.

Children also suffer concussions from car accidents and falls. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a small child has a concussion. If your child has had a head injury, call 911 or your doctor for advice.

Occasionally a person who has a more serious concussion develops new symptoms over time and feels worse than he or she did before the injury. This is called post-concussive syndrome. If you have symptoms of post-concussive syndrome, call your doctor or 911. Symptoms of post-concussive syndrome include:

• Changes in your ability to think, concentrate or remember.
• Headaches or blurry vision.
• Changes in your sleep patterns, such as not being able to sleep or sleeping all the time.
• Changes in your personality such as becoming angry or anxious for no clear reason.
• Lack of interest in your usual activities.
• Changes in your sex drive.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or unsteadiness that makes standing or walking different.

If you or anyone you care about suffered a head or brain concussion in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley or any where in California, we will help you obtain the medical care you need and obtain the financial recovery that you deserve. We understand that a concussion can be very painful and traumatizing. Calling the right California personal injury attorney can help you obtain the justice you deserve.

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