Delayed Concussion Symptoms: What You Need to Know
A car accident can lead to various injuries, including a concussion. A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a shaken brain. In many cases, concussion symptoms appear right away, but in other cases, they can show up hours, days, or even weeks later. These are called delayed concussion symptoms and can complicate things.
Concussion symptoms tend to get better within two weeks. When concussion symptoms last or continue to develop over a much longer period, this is known as post-concussion syndrome.
Symptoms can be delayed due to adrenaline masking pain, or the time it takes for swelling/inflammation to affect brain function. They may appear when returning to normal, cognitively demanding, or physical activities too quickly. Common delayed symptoms include:
- Lingering headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- “Brain fog”
- Memory problems
- Increased irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Excessive sleepiness or inability to sleep
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Should I See a Doctor?
Not all symptoms go away. Recurring symptoms should be looked at as soon as possible. Waiting too long can worsen the injury and even be fatal.
You should see a doctor if:
- Symptoms worsen over time.
- You lose consciousness at any time.
- You have seizures.
- You have trouble speaking, walking, or staying awake.
- You suffer severe headaches.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing post-concussion syndrome requires a thorough, multi-step evaluation designed to fully understand a patient’s symptoms and how they are affecting daily life. Because symptoms can fluctuate from day to day and vary widely in intensity, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. If something feels off, it is important to seek care from a qualified medical professional who has experience treating concussion-related conditions.
To determine whether post-concussion syndrome is present, a physician will typically perform a series of assessments, which may include:
- Reviewing your medical background and concussion history.
- Performing a comprehensive physical examination.
- Ordering advanced MRI scans to evaluate specific areas of the brain.
- Administering neurocognitive tests to evaluate memory, motor function, and verbal skills.
- Completing neurological exams using tools such as lights and reflex hammers to assess nervous system responses.
Treatment
The best treatment for a concussion is rest. Rest helps the brain recover from the injury. If a doctor confirms that you have a concussion, they may suggest the following treatment:
- Resting the brain. Avoid too much reading or thinking activities.
- Physical rest. Avoid physical activities until cleared by a doctor.
- Hydration and nutrition. Drink adequate water and eat healthy foods to aid with healing.
- Pain management. Pain relievers can be helpful, but ask your doctor for advice first.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A car accident can cause various injuries, including concussions. Not all are the same, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms.
If you have suffered a concussion in a car crash, make sure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Seek legal help from Sue West, a Houston car accident concussion attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.
Source:
aviv-clinics.com/blog/brain-health/delayed-concussion-symptoms-why-they-happen-and-what-you-can-do/
