Delayed Concussion Symptoms: Don’t Let Them Catch You Off Guard

Posted in Brain Injury on November 27, 2023

A concussion is medically referred to as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Don’t let the term “mild” fool you. Concussions can lead to delayed symptoms and long-term health complications that affect your quality of life.

Head injuries should never be taken lightly. It is important to be aware of all concussion-related symptoms to determine if you should file a claim.

Causes of Concussions and Traumatic Head Injuries

Concussions result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. This temporarily causes the brain to shake, twist, or deform inside the skull. Such injuries can occur in various scenarios, including:

Contact sports like football, soccer, or boxing
Domestic abuse or assault
Slips & falls on hard surfaces or from heights
Combat-related exposure to explosions
Car and truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Bicycle accidents

In any of these scenarios, prioritize your safety and seek medical help if you suspect a head injury. After any head injury, seriously consider contacting an attorney.

Symptoms of a Concussion

A loss of consciousness is not the only indicator of a severe head injury.

Concussion symptoms can encompass cognitive, physical, emotional, and sleep-related issues, including:

Fuzzy thinking and difficulty forming coherent thoughts
Feeling as though everything is in slow motion
Inability to concentrate, memory problems, and other cognitive difficulties
Headaches, dizziness, and balance issues
Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or noise
Emotional changes such as increased irritability and anxiety
Sleep disturbances

After a mild head injury, symptoms may vary. Some individuals may experience delayed concussion symptoms or a constellation of symptoms that come and go. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and seek additional care if symptoms change.

Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms

Delayed concussion symptoms may lead to a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. This is where symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery period. Treatment may involve medication, physical therapy, and counseling.

Concussions and Re-Injury

No one wants to sit on the sidelines in life. But prioritizing your health should be your highest priority. Recovery from a concussion takes time.

It is vital to allow your body to recover. Avoid activities that may pose a risk of head trauma. Rejoining activities too quickly can put you at risk of re-injury.

Re-injury, or “second impact syndrome,” can lead to more severe brain damage or nerve damage. This can include bleeding, swelling, and tissue death. Avoid activities that could cause further brain jostling during the healing process.

Concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Repeated concussions increase the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This is a progressive brain disease. Symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, impaired judgment, depression, and progressive dementia. Diagnosis can only be confirmed posthumously through an autopsy.

How Long After a Head Injury Can Symptoms Occur?

Most concussion symptoms appear immediately. However, delayed concussion symptoms can emerge days or even weeks after the injury. These symptoms may include memory problems, headaches, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, leading to many out-of-pocket expenses. Monitoring these symptoms closely with a medical professional is crucial.

How Delayed-Symptom Concussions Can Affect Your Life

No one will doubt the fact that delayed concussion symptoms should be taken seriously. However, knowing how it can adversely affect your life is important.

Work Performance

Delayed concussion symptoms can have a profound impact on a person’s workplace performance. It can be challenging when you notice difficulty concentrating and recalling information. Sometimes, symptoms can cause a person to miss out on work.

Persistent headaches and fatigue can increase sick days and reduce overall job performance. This can be frustrating for the individual and their employer. It can affect job security and advancement opportunities.

Personal Relationships

The effects of delayed concussion symptoms can strain personal relationships. Irritability, mood swings, and emotional changes can lead to conflicts with family members, friends, and loved ones.

Individuals may become sensitive to light and noise. This can lead to loss of consortium, missing out on special events, or more severe social isolation.

Difficulty concentrating and memory issues can make simple communication frustrating. Maintaining meaningful relationships can begin to feel overwhelming.

Seeking Support and Understanding:

No one wants to lose the close connections with friends and family. Individuals experiencing delayed concussion symptoms can seek both medical and emotional support.

Seeking appropriate treatment can help identify coping strategies. Loved ones and employers can be vital in offering patience and support.

Delayed-Symptom Concussions and Your Legal Rights Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in New York, NY

If you have suffered a concussion with delayed symptoms due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to hold them financially liable. This compensation can help cover contingency fees, medical expenses, lost earnings, and more.

Consult a skilled brain injury attorney to discuss your legal options. Your well-being matters, and an experienced lawyer can help you every step of the way.

Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in New York, NY

If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City brain injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.

We have two convenient locations in New York:

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St, Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600