Concussions and other mild head injuries may seem like a relatively minor injury, but in reality, concussions are a traumatic brain injury that can cause serious medical problems and long-term health problems if they aren’t treated properly. Concussions can be caused by a bump or jolt to the head, as well as a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions are often sustained in car accidents, falls, and sports activities. Although concussions and mild head injuries may not be life threatening, they have been linked with a number of lifelong medical problems, including depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and increased risk of stroke. In fact, the recent suicides of former football players Junior Seau, Dave Deurson and Ray Easterling have all been linked to long-term health problems from concussions. Moreover, a study out of the United Kingdom indicates that concussions and mild head injuries can result in brain damage that is still present one year after the injury. Researchers studied people with mild concussions, moderate concussions, and no brain injury. All participants took thinking and memory skill tests, as well as an imaging test to show brain cell damage. Those participants who sustained a concussion had thinking and memory test scores 25 percent lower than those of healthy people immediately after the injury. And although the thinking and memory test scores were similar one year after the injury, those with concussions still showed evidence of brain damage on imaging tests one year after the injury. Concussions and mild head injuries can be especially alarming for children since the brain is still developing, placing them at an increased risk for learning difficulties and other neuropsychological difficulties. Unfortunately, concussions seem to be on the rise for children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries for those persons under age 19 rose 60 percent from 2001 to 2009. In some rare cases, a concussion can result in a dangerous blood clot on the brain. You should contact your doctor or visit the ER immediately if you or your child experiences any of the following signs and symptoms after suffering a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body:
- A headache that worsens or persists
- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) is larger than the other pupil
- Convulsions or seizures
- Inability to recognize people or places
- Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
- Loss of consciousness
At Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish, our Chicago head injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims of head injuries and their families. If a concussion or other head injury was caused by a car accident, sports injury, defective product, or negligence, we will advocate on your behalf for full and fair financial recovery. If your child has suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, do not hesitate to contact the Chicago head injury lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish to schedule a free consultation to discuss a possible personal injury or product liability claim. Additional Information:
- Dangers of Concussions and Other Head Injuries
- How to Protect your Kids from Concussions and Other Traumatic Head Injuries
Steinberg Goodman & Kalish (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families. We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.
