One of the most common questions we hear over and over again at Clarity Legal is “What is a Concussion?”. The word is thrown around with increasing frequency, and many people have encountered it as a result of their sports fandom, particularly the increasing publicity brought by the NFL. It can be beneficial then to understand (1) What the term means (2) How to identify them and (3) What to do if you think you have one?
A concussion is defined by the National Institute of Health as a “traumatically induced transient disturbance of brain function”. A concussion is a subset of the neurologic injuries known as traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries have varying severity, from mild to moderate to severe. In short, while every concussion is a traumatic brain injury, not every traumatic brain injury is a concussion.
Concussions fall under the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) category. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool used to measure a person’s consciousness following a head injury. Scores are on a 15-point scale, and anything between 13-15 is indicative of mTBI. It is important to remember that the phrase mTBI refers only to the classification on the Glasgow Coma Scale and should not be used to describe or qualify the ongoing post-concussion symptoms.
The symptoms of mTBI may vary. Patients may suffer some or all of them, and the particular symptoms a person suffers may appear in the hours, days, or even weeks after the trauma. The Cleveland Clinic has a thorough account of the symptoms that might develop after mTBI, but a few of those include:
| PHYSICAL ISSUES | THINKING/REMEMBERING | SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea/Vomiting | Confusion | Anxiety |
| Headaches | Difficulty Concentrating | Irritability |
| Balance Issues | Difficulty Remembering | Nervousness |
| Light/Sound Sensitivity | Fatigue | Depression |
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury): What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
It’s important to remember that someone can suffer mTBI without actually hitting their head on anything. The right type of movement can result in the brain suffering trauma by striking the inside of the skull. It’s important not to rule out a potential concussion just because your head did not hit anything. Instead consult with a medical professional.
If you suspect you have suffered a concussion or mTBI it is important to get checked out by a treatment provider immediately. In the most serious of cases, there can be risks or brain bleeding or swelling that can result in critical injuries or even death if not treated. Even if the injury is less serious, the long-term symptoms can impact your personal and professional life. Getting care with the appropriate team, including neurologists, therapists, and brain injury specialists can be the key to getting your life back as soon as possible.
If you believe you have suffered a concussion as a result of the negligence of others, contact Clarity Legal to help you figure out what steps to take to move forward.
