Did You Know It’s National Concussion Awareness Day?
A traumatic brain injury is a neurological injury that usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. This type of injury is common after a car accident. One of the most common types of mild traumatic brain injuries is a concussion. The purpose of National Concussion Awareness Day is to create an opportunity for public discussion of this issue. This year National Concussion Awareness Day is Friday, September 16. Here we will discuss National Concussion Awareness Day and concussions.
We hope the below discussion helps increase dialogue about concussions. If you are suffering from a traumatic brain injury after a Las Vegas area car accident, get medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment. Due to these traumatic Brain injuries in car accidents, the National Concussion Awareness Day was started.
What Is a Concussion?
As mentioned above, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this sudden movement can do the following:
- Cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull
- Create chemical changes in the brain
- Stretch and damage brain cells
A concussion is generally referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury. It is considered “mild” because it is usually not a life-threatening injury. However, just because it is called “mild” doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.
If you have been involved in a car accident, you must seek medical help immediately. A medical professional will assess your injuries and check for concussion symptoms. After you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The lawyers at Anthem Injury Lawyers offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment.
What Is National Concussion Awareness Day?
National Concussion Awareness Day is a chance to discuss the following:
- Baseline testing for concussions
- Concussion signs and symptoms
- The social and emotional issues that can result from a mild traumatic brain injury
Baseline Testing
Baseline testing measures brain function in a normal, healthy state—before a concussion. The test is conducted by a healthcare professional. If you are at risk for a concussion during athletic activities, you may undergo baseline testing before you begin your athletic season.
Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function. Brain function includes the following:
- Learning and memory skills
- Ability to pay attention or concentrate
- Problem-solving ability
Baseline testing is especially helpful for doctors treating athletes because doctors can use an athlete’s baseline score to help decide:
- What do they need to do to get better
- How to treat the athlete
- When it’s safe for the athlete to return to the sport
If you have undergone baseline testing and believe that you have suffered a concussion in a non-sports-related accident, baseline testing can still be helpful. The baseline score can be used to help guide the doctor regarding treatment and what you need to do to get better.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
Concussion signs and symptoms can vary based on the severity of the injury and the patient. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, the general signs of a concussion include the following:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Appearing dazed and/or confused
- Ringing in the ears
- Delayed response to questions
- Loss of consciousness
Concussion Emergency Signs and Symptoms
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should always seek medical care. You should also be aware of concussion emergency signs and symptoms. If you are experiencing concussion emergency signs and symptoms, you should get medical care immediately. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, concussion emergency signs and symptoms include the following:
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness or inability to be awakened
- One pupil is larger than the other
- Convulsions or seizures
- Does not recognize people or places
- Get increasingly confused, restless, or agitated
- Unusual behavior
- Loss of consciousness
One of the main causes of concussions is car accidents. If you have experienced a bump, blow, or jolt to the head in a car accident, seek medical care immediately. Once you have sought medical care, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers are an experienced team of personal injury lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment.
Social and Emotional Issues That Can Result from a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Just because a concussion is a “mild” traumatic brain injury doesn’t mean that it can’t cause serious social and emotional issues. A recent study revealed that approximately 1 in 5 individuals may experience mental health symptoms up to six months after a mild traumatic brain injury. After any brain injury, you should talk to your doctor about social and emotional concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social and emotional issues may include the following:
- In a “fog”, can’t think clearly
- Can’t follow conversations
- Trouble with attention
- Trouble with concentration
- Difficulty learning new information
- Word finding problems
- Slowed reaction times
- Feeling sad or irritable
- Anxiety
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed for no reason
- Personality changes
- More emotional than usual
- More impulsive
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
After an accident, you should pay special attention to the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Anxiety symptoms can include the following mental and physical symptoms:
- Intense fear and worry
- Racing heart
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Shaking
- The sensation of butterflies in the stomach
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed without knowing why
Depression symptoms can include the following:
- Feeling sad, irritable, or worthless
- Feeling tired much of the time
- Experiencing changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Withdrawing from others
- Fatigue
- Frustration
A concussion can have a dramatic impact on your health and well-being. If you believe you have experienced a concussion, seek medical help immediately. If your injury is the result of an accident that is not your fault, you should also contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
We hope the above discussion helps you understand the seriousness of concussions. If you are suffering from a traumatic brain injury after a Las Vegas area car accident, get medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney who can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Get the best accident attorneys in Las Vegas fighting for you. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment.