Whether they occur during sports, car accidents, other accidents, or after falls, concussions can be serious injuries that, at times, can result in brain damage. A concussion occurs when someone suffers a blow to the head that results in unconsciousness, a dazed feeling or lapse in memory, or dizziness. It is common among many people to assume that a concussion is not a serious injury, but a concussion is a form of brain injury, and any injury to the brain can result in serious side effects or long-term consequences. According to Dr. Joan Pelligrini, concussion victims suffer an increased risk of seizures up to five years after impact, and multiple concussions can lead to brain damage or learning disabilities.
Below are some of the side effects of experienced after suffering a concussion, although this is not a comprehensive list:
- loss of concentration
- fatigue
- changes in personality or mood
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- problems with balance
- memory loss, especially regarding the event of injury
- loss of consciousness or altered level of consciousness (such as drowsiness)
Listed below are some of the emergency signs of a concussion. No matter what signs or symptoms your child displays, if you believe he or she has suffered a head injury, seek medical attention immediately:
- As listed above, changes in consciousness, such as a decrease in alertness
- Coma or unconsciousness for an extended period of time
- Muscle weakness on one side, or both sides, of the body
- Difficulty walking
- Convulsions
- Frequent confusion
- Chronic vomiting
- Unusual eye movements or unequal pupil sizes
If your child is playing a sport, falls, or is involved in any activity or accident that causes your child to suffer a blow to the head, seek immediate medical care, no matter how minor the injury seems. If you think your child has suffered a concussion (whether in a car accident, playing sports, or elsewhere), feel free to contact child brain injury lawyer Chris Keane, and he will help you find the best medical treatment for your child and consult with you for free regarding your specific situation.
To contact child brain injury attorney Chris Keane, click here or call 1-888-592-KIDS.
