When someone suffers a concussion, there is typically no wound or bleeding to show they have been injured. Loss of consciousness is also rare, and when it does occur, may only be a few seconds long. Therefore, it’s difficult to spot these injuries through physical signs alone. Knowing the causes can help you determine when there may be danger of a brain injury.
Concussions can be caused by a blow to the head or by any force that causes the head to rapidly accelerate and then decelerate. When a car accident causes whiplash, the same harmful motion may cause the brain to collide with the skill. This can stretch and bruise brain cells, leading to chemical changes within the brain.
Aside from motor vehicle collisions, concussions can also be caused by slip and falls, violent assault, or other accidents.
Concussion symptoms may vary between individuals, but the most common signs of injury include:
The chemical changes spurred by a concussion can also cause psychological symptoms like:
Not all of these symptoms are immediately noticeable—some may not show up for hours after the original injury. Other symptoms may develop or appear only when the injured individual is engaged in cognitively demanding activities.
If you believe you or a loved one may have suffered a concussion, you should visit a doctor promptly. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and medical advice. The following symptoms necessitate a trip to the emergency room:
Additionally, anyone who has previously suffered a concussion should visit the ER if they believe they may have another one. While a single concussion typically does not cause lasting brain damage, multiple such injuries can have serious long-term effects.
