Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Some people believe that concussions are only minor injuries and are therefore no cause for concern. Unfortunately, this is a mistaken belief.

In reality, concussions are classified as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The clinical term for a concussion is “mild traumatic brain injury,” also referred to as “mTBI.”

Even the most minor traumatic brain injury can result in severe and long-lasting symptoms for victims. Many of those who sustain a TBI do not experience symptoms immediately.

Some symptoms and side effects of concussions do not appear until days or weeks after the initial accident. With this in mind, we will discuss some of the most common delayed concussion symptoms and how they can affect the lives of injury victims.

Typical Causes of Minor Traumatic Brain Injuries

Like any other traumatic brain injury, concussions usually happen because of a significant blow or impact to the head. Brain injuries can also happen because of jolts to the body. 

These impacts can cause the brain to move inside the skull. Because the brain is made of soft tissue, a collision with the inside of the skull bone can cause serious damage.

Even a momentary jolt to the soft tissue of the brain can result in severe harm. Some of the most common causes of concussions include:

  • Head injuries from contact sports, like football or hockey
  • Physical attacks such as domestic assault or physical abuse
  • Falling accidents on hard surfaces or from elevated areas
  • Combat-related injuries
  • Car accidents, motorcycle collisions, or bicycle crashes

These are only a few examples of the common accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries. If you have been involved in one of these types of accidents, it is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Common Concussion Symptoms

There are four broad categories of concussion symptoms, which are: physical, emotional, cognitive, and sleep-related.

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you might have sustained a concussion:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Unusual sleeping patterns
  • An increase in nervousness or anxiety
  • Unusual emotional responses
  • Unexplained irritation or sadness
  • Lack of energy
  • Sensitivity to noise or lights
  • Lack of balance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Blurred vision
  • Persistent headaches
  • Memory problems or difficulty retaining information
  • Lack of concentration
  • Cognitive difficulty, brain fog, or fuzzy thoughts

Even one of these symptoms may indicate that you have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury. It is also important to understand that these symptoms may come and go over time. 

As your brain attempts to heal, you may experience a range of injury indicators. If you have been involved in an accident in which you sustained a significant impact, seek a medical assessment right away.

Typical Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Oftentimes, concussions will present symptoms soon after the inciting incident. However, this is not always the case.

Some minor traumatic brain injury victims do not notice the consequences until days or weeks after their accidents. Even though some symptoms may be delayed, this does not indicate that the injury has become worse.

Instead, initial symptoms may be very mild. This sometimes leads to the effects going unnoticed by the victim.

Some injury victims are unaware that they suffered a concussion until weeks after they were hurt. While any symptom can appear after the injury, some signs are more likely than others to be delayed.

The most common delayed concussion symptoms include:

  • Ongoing headaches
  • Memory issues
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Changes in sleep patterns

It is vital to contact a skilled traumatic brain injury attorney in the wake of an accident. With the help of a legal professional, victims can pursue financial recovery for the costs associated with their brain injuries.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome

If you experience delayed concussion symptoms, it is important to have a medical professional assess you for a condition called “post-concussion syndrome.” This condition presents symptoms that last longer than the usual concussion recovery period.  

Most concussions heal within a month of the inciting incident. Post-concussion syndrome patients may present symptoms for a year or longer.

Some medical researchers believe that structural brain changes cause this condition. Untreated concussions can lead to physical changes in the victim’s brain tissue.

The Possibility of Re-Injury

Following a brain injury, your physician will probably recommend rest and relaxation. Even if you have not experienced severe symptoms, rest is critical when you have a concussion. 

Medical research suggests that those who have experienced a concussion are at a higher risk of sustaining additional traumatic brain injuries. The possibility of re-injury increases if your first concussion does not properly heal.

During the healing period, any activities that impact the head or body can cause another concussion to occur. Subsequent brain injuries often result in more severe damage than the initial accident. 

Common types of brain damage from re-injury include:

  • Severe brain tissue damage
  • Bleeding 
  • Swelling
  • Tissue death
  • And more

Those who experience multiple concussions in a row may also see increases in the severity of previously appearing symptoms. New symptoms can also appear as the result of multiple traumatic brain injuries.

When a concussion presents symptoms days or weeks after the initial accident, it can derail a victim’s life. If you have suffered a brain injury because of another person’s negligent actions, you may be owed significant financial compensation.

In the aftermath of an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is true even if you do not believe that you were injured.

In the case of a future personal injury case, an initial medical report can help to corroborate your account of the damage. A knowledgeable legal expert can help you to build the strongest claim possible following your accident or injury.

Victims of concussions deserve financial damages for the costs and losses associated with their injuries. These may include:

  • Current medical bills
  • Anticipated future medical costs
  • Associated property damage
  • Lost wages from missing work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Inability to enjoy life
  • Disability and disfigurement

Traumatic brain injury attorneys understand the factors that influence these complex cases. Even if your symptoms only appeared weeks after an accident, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation from the liable party.

Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in San Diego Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000