A concussion is a brain injury that should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible. If a concussion is untreated, the symptoms can worsen over time, leading to long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive issues. Understanding the dangers of an untreated concussion is important for anyone who has suffered from one due to an accident or personal injury caused by another person’s negligence.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a jolt or blow to the head that changes the way your brain functions. A concussion can cause a wide range of symptoms including dizziness, confusion, light sensitivity, and headaches. In some cases, concussions may lead to more serious health problems such as seizures and permanent damage if left untreated.
The Most Common Causes Of A Concussion
If you have been diagnosed with a concussion due to an accident, it’s important to understand what could have caused it. Here are some of the most common causes of a concussion.
Sports-Related Accidents
One of the most common causes of concussions is sports-related accidents. Football, soccer, basketball, rugby-all these sports carry the risk of head injuries due to collisions between players or hard impacts against the ground or other objects. Helmets are important in reducing this risk, but they don’t always prevent concussions from happening.
Falls
Another frequent cause of concussions is falls. Falls can happen in any situation-on playgrounds, while running up a flight of stairs, or even while walking on flat surfaces if you slip or trip suddenly. Falls are especially dangerous when they occur from heights like a rooftop or balcony, as the impact on your head can be much greater than when falling at ground level.
Car Accidents
A car accident can also result in a concussion if there is an impact to the head during the collision. Even if there isn’t direct contact between your skull and another object, whiplash can cause your brain to move rapidly inside your skull which can lead to a concussion as well.
Dangers of an Untreated Concussion
When someone suffers from a concussion, it’s important to receive medical treatment right away in order to avoid any long-term complications.
Long-Term Effects
Untreated concussions can lead to a variety of long-term effects that can worsen over time without proper treatment. One of the most common long-term effects is chronic headaches and migraines, which tend to be more intense and frequent than regular headaches.
Additionally, those who suffer from untreated concussions may experience lingering dizziness and balance problems that can lead to difficulty walking or standing. Memory loss and confusion are also common symptoms of an untreated concussion, along with difficulty concentrating on tasks or understanding language. Depression is another potential side effect of untreated concussions, as well as irritability, anxiety, and changes in personality.
Cognitive Decline
In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to untreated concussions can lead to severe cognitive decline. This includes memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions. In some cases, this cognitive decline can even become permanent if left unaddressed for too long.
Mental Health Problems
It is also possible for an untreated concussion to lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety due to the disruption in normal brain functioning caused by the injury.
This can be especially dangerous for athletes who suffer from multiple concussions throughout their careers since repeated head trauma has been linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative disease characterized by confusion, aggression, and depression that can lead to suicidal behavior if not properly managed with medication or therapy.
If you’ve experienced a concussion and believe someone else was responsible, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.