Delayed Concussion Symptoms

May 10, 2022 | Brain Injuries

Concussion injuries are serious, and the aftereffects of these types of injuries can have lifelong consequences. 

Did you know that a concussion is actually a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI)? The official medical diagnosis of a concussion is a “mild traumatic brain injury.” But the term “mild” can be deceiving. Many people with a mild TBI can have complications for the rest of their lives. If you experience delayed concussion symptoms, you need medical attention to reduce your chances of suffering complications.

What Causes a Concussion?

Traumatic brain injuries happen when a violent jolt or blow to the head or body causes the brain to shake or twist back and forth inside the skull, damaging the brain tissue.

Common concussion causes are:

  • Contact sports or sports that have a potential for high-impact falls
  • Falling onto a hard surface from a height
  • Injuries from violent crimes like assault or domestic abuse
  • Car accidents
  • Concussive force injuries or combat-related injuries

Treating a concussion to prevent further injury and damage has the best chance of success if an early diagnosis is given. However, the symptoms of a concussion may not be apparent right away, and some people may not associate their symptoms with a concussion. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury is vital for people who have suffered head injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Concussion symptoms affect all aspects of the injured person’s life. They may experience physical, cognitive, emotional, and even sleep-related symptoms. 

Common symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Difficulty concentrating or fuzzy thinking
  • Inability to concentrate, even for short periods of time
  • Difficulty with short-term memory and forming long-term memories
  • Chronic headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness and poor balance
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Being overly emotional or experiencing prolonged periods of sadness
  • Disrupted sleep

People who suffer from a concussion may experience one, several, or all of these symptoms constantly or in a waxing and waning pattern. Delayed concussion symptoms are also common. However, even if the symptoms are mild, a concussion should never be taken lightly.

What Are Delayed Concussion Symptoms?

Concussion symptoms typically present within 24 to 48 hours of the injury, but not in all cases. Delayed concussion symptoms can indicate significant underlying brain damage. Or, the emergence of certain symptoms can indicate that the brain is repairing itself, and the symptoms are just the results of natural healing. 

Brain injuries are complex, and no two injuries are the same. Early diagnosis of a brain injury is critical, as is ongoing medical care.

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is characterized by concussion symptoms that last longer than the typical timeline for concussion symptom progression. Some people may experience post-concussion syndrome for a year or longer. Doctors theorize that post-concussion syndrome may be caused by structural changes to the brain that stem from the initial injury.

Long-term consequences of a concussion can affect a person’s life forever. Some people may not realize the impact that multiple concussions can have on their brains. Some people develop a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Some chronic complications of a concussion and CTE include:

  • Memory loss and progressive dementia
  • Impaired judgment or reckless behavior
  • Confusion
  • Aggression and impulse control problems
  • Parkinson’s-like symptoms

People who have delayed concussion symptoms and traumatic brain injury from a concussion may think that they have early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. However, there are differences between brain damage from a concussion and medical dementia. People with chronic traumatic encephalopathy typically see complications arise earlier than those who develop dementia.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lebanon, PA for Help if You’ve Developed Delayed Concussion Symptoms 

If you or a loved one have developed CTE or delayed concussion symptoms due to another party’s negligence, a personal injury law team can help. You could be entitled to significant compensation to cover your medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and suffering. 

Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates. Our award-winning Harrisburg personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight to secure the financial award you may deserve. Please contact us at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

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