Delayed Concussion Symptoms
Concussions are a common injury, especially among athletes. It’s estimated that in the U.S., around 3.8 million people experience a concussion from a sports-related injury. Many concussions go undiagnosed. This can lead to mismanagement of the injury and potential health risks in the future.
It’s common to notice the symptoms of a concussion immediately after an injury, but sometimes, symptoms can be delayed for 14 days or more. Understanding the symptoms of a concussion may help you get timely medical care and protect your brain health.
What Is a Concussion?
The brain is like a ball at the end of a flexible stick (the spine). When a fall, auto accident, or other type of trauma causes a major jolt to the body, the brain can bounce inside the head, stretching and bruising the brain’s blood vessels and nerves. This type of damage can temporarily halt normal brain function.
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury. Most people recover fully after being concussed, and some concussions are so mild the person might not even notice the symptoms. However, some concussions can be severe.
Anyone can get a concussion. Seniors and children younger than four are the two age groups with the highest risk. Athletes, teens, and anyone with a physically demanding job are also at risk. Having one concussion also increases your risk of having more.
What Are Delayed Concussion Symptoms?
Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you to slow down and take time to heal. Whether they begin within minutes of an impact or several days later, the symptoms of a concussion are basically the same.
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Balance problems, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less)
- Fatigue
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
Experiencing delayed symptoms does not directly mean the concussion is more serious, but a delay in medical treatment could increase your risk of developing complications.
Concussion Symptoms In Young Children
Babies and toddlers can suffer a concussion, but because they are not yet able to express their symptoms with words, parents need to be aware of non-verbal symptoms.
Warning signs of a concussion in children include:
- A blank stare
- Crying or fussing more than usual
- Not wanting to eat or nurse
- Sudden changes in sleeping habits
- Being unusually cranky or unhappy
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms after an injury, seek immediate medical care.
When Should You Go To The Emergency Room?
Whether you notice them immediately or days later, concussion symptoms don’t usually require emergency care. However, some symptoms indicate the need for emergency medical treatment.
Call 911 if you experience or witness the following signs after an injury:
- Persistent vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Difficulty recognizing places or people
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe or worsening headaches
- Unusual behavior changes
Stay with the injured person until medical help arrives.
What to Do if You Have Experienced a Concussion
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that may require medical care. Delayed symptoms are those that become noticeable days or weeks after the injury. Having delayed symptoms doesn’t mean a concussion is more or less severe, but delaying treatment could prolong recovery.
In most cases, rest and taking a break from physical activity are all that’s required to heal the brain after a concussion. People who experience extreme symptoms like seizures or painful headaches should seek emergency medical care.
Concussions happen in many ways, including sports injuries, car and truck accidents, and falls. If you’ve experienced an impact injury, pay attention to possible warning signs of concussion and get appropriate medical care to prevent future problems.
Contact Our Northbrook Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Northbrook, IL, and need legal help, contact our Northbrook personal injury lawyers at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
