Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of hospitalizations every year. Brain injuries affect concentration, memory, learning, movement, and other vital functions. A TBI can result in permanent and life-changing impairments such as concussions, which are a mild kind of TBI. However, a concussion can be quite dangerous when not treated right away. If you are looking for legal advice click here and know your legal options after sustaining a concussion in an accident.
What are Concussions?
Concussions are brain injuries that develop because of a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They usually result from a slip and fall, a car accident, a sports accident, or a work accident. They can lead to headaches as well as affect your balance, memory, concentration, and coordination. Other symptoms include ringing in the ears, drowsiness and fatigue, blurred vision, forgetfulness, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, amnesia, and confusion. If you sustain a kind of head injury, you need to seek immediate medical attention. With prompt medical attention, you avoid complications like post-traumatic headaches, second-impact syndrome, and persistent post-concussive symptoms.
Treatment and Recovery
After your diagnosis, you must rest your body and mind. You may be recommended to limit activities that require significant brainpower and vigorous physical activities. Then, your activities will be gradually increased. Light exercise may support your recovery. Just ensure you don’t engage in activities that can put you at risk of sustaining another concussion.
Keep in mind that a second concussion can result in severe complications. Indeed, you must not take part in certain activities until you have fully recovered from your current injury. When you experience improvement in your symptoms, your doctor may allow you to take part in high-concentration activities.
You may experience headaches after a concussion develops. To manage such symptoms, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers. Just ensure you only take medications your doctor approves. Severe complications such as brain bleeding can take place.
Legal Options Following a Concussion
A lot of people suffer from a concussion because of another person’s actions. If you sustained a brain injury because of the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. A personal injury attorney in Portland can help you file an injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent party. They can collect evidence to support your claim. Your recovery can include compensation for damages such as medical care, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.