Usually, concussions are not life threatening. However, some concussions may cause serious brain malfunctions, even though they are rarely easily observed injuries.

A concussion can range in seriousness from mild to critical. The most severe cases of concussion result in life long problems such as memory loss. Recovering from a concussion can be a long, tedious and expensive process.

Car accidents, altercations, industrial accidents, sports injuries and falls are among the most common causes of concussions.

The seriousness of the concussion directly corresponds to the amount of force on the impact to the head. A concussion's severity is also related to the length of unconsciousness following the incident.

Because the brain is complex, every concussion is different. Some symptoms of a concussion may appear right away while others may not appear for days or weeks after the injury. Sometimes the concussion makes it hard for the victim to recognize or admit that they are having a problem.

The signs of a concussion can be subtle. Soon after the incident problems may be missed by patients, family and doctors. The victim may look fine even though they are acting or feeling differently.

A concussion is generally accompanied by a brief period of unconsciousness and sometimes memory loss. However, it is important to remember that while most people lose consciousness for a short period of time; this is not always the case. A victim may have a concussion without losing consciousness. Structural damage to the brain as a result of a concussion is very rare.

Other symptoms you may suffer are loss of balance, emotional changes such as depression, repetitive vomiting, unequal pupils, a confused mental state and the inability to concentrate. Usually these symptoms will last between a few days and several weeks, depending upon the force of the impact. Varying levels of consciousness, seizure-like activity, weakness on one side of the body and coma are some of the side effects of extreme cases of concussion.

Many people suffering a concussion have the most memory loss immediately after the injury causing the concussion, and recovering memory in the future is not uncommon. However, in certain cases, the concussion causes memory damage that is not rectifiable.

Most often normal symptoms of concussion will subside within three months of injury. When symptoms persist beyond three months the victim could have post-concussive syndrome. Post-concussive syndrome can be associated to an acute brain injury, but can also be due to a psychological consequence of serious head injury or more serious forms of concussion. Those who suffer from anxiety, stress or depression often suffer these symptoms longer than in other cases.

For concussion patients suffering from post-concussive syndrome, common symptoms may include headache, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, problems with memory or thinking and depression.

Most people with post-concussive syndrome will heal within six months—provided they allow themselves time to heal properly. If the patient does not take it easy during recovery, further injury, persistence of existing symptoms and, in extreme cases, death may result.

One of the most prominent dangers related to concussions is the possibility that serious complications may take several hours or days to present themselves.

Even if you feel alright immediately after an impact it is advisable to seek medical treatment immediately. Victims with a concussion need to be seen by a doctor. Most people with a concussion are treated in an emergency department or a doctor's office. Some victims must complete an overnight stay in the hospital treatment and observation. Doctors may do a CT scan of the brain or do other tests to help diagnose the extent of your concussion and injuries. Even if the concussion doesn't appear on these tests, you may still have a concussion. Your physician will likely send you home with important post-treatment instructions to follow. For instance, your physician may require that someone wake you up every few hours during the first night and day after your concussion.

In certain severe (rare) cases, along with a concussion, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain and force the brain against the skull. If you have any of the following danger signs, you should contact your doctor or emergency department immediately: headaches that get worse; weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination; or repeated vomiting. The people monitoring your condition should take you to an emergency room immediately if you: cannot be awakened; have one pupil—the black part in the middle of the eye—larger than the other; have convulsions or seizures; have slurred speech; or are getting more and more confused, restless, or agitated.

If a young child with a concussion will not stop crying and cannot be consoled or if the child refuses to nurse or eat, take him/her to an emergency room immediately. Vomiting is more common in younger children with concussions and is less likely to be a danger sign than in an adult; however, if your child vomits more than a few times you may wish to take them to a physician.

The results of concussions such as memory loss and the inability to concentrate can adversely affect an individual's life, making everyday tasks difficult or impossible. If the concussion is the result of the fault or negligence of another party, the party liable for the concussion may be bound to pay for medical fees, lost income and other damages related to the concussion.

Contacting a lawyer experienced with concussion damages to review your case and learn more about your rights may be advisable. Recovery is different for everyone because all concussions are different. Many victims of concussions recover fully, but it can take time in severe cases. Some symptoms may persist for days, weeks or longer. Victims who have had a concussion in the past may take longer to recover from their current concussion. A concussion and the sequence of events which resulted in the concussion are often the subject of a civil lawsuit. In order to protect your rights after a car accident or other incident which results in a concussion it is wise to consult an experienced concussion personal injury attorney.

If you or someone you love has suffered a Concussion from an accident or injury in Kansas or Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation and case evaluation.