What Are Signs of Delayed Concussion Symptoms?

What are signs of delayed concussion symptoms? Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, vision and hearing sensitivity, and mood changes are common, but not the only, signs of delayed concussion symptoms. After an accident, you need to get medical care and be on the lookout for these signs, so you can avoid long-term health problems.

Getting medical care can also support your potential injury claim. Partner with a New Orleans traumatic brain injury lawyer for immediate guidance and representation.

Common Concussion Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many concussion symptoms. These symptoms can appear right away, but they don’t always. Stay vigilant and watch for signs of delayed concussion symptoms that develop as time passes. The delay results from the body’s trauma response. 

For example, the shock of an accident can release adrenaline that masks pain and other effects. The brain swelling associated with a concussion can happen gradually rather than instantly. 

Physical Signs of Delayed Concussions

Concussions damage the brain, and the brain controls the body’s overall physical functioning. Pay attention to changes that affect how your body feels and moves.

Consistent Headaches

It makes sense that a blow to the head causes headache pain. Keep track of those headaches. Consistent, persistent headaches are one of the most common signs of a concussion. Feeling pressure in your head is another sign to watch for.

Lack of Balance and Coordination

Your sense of balance and ability to coordinate physical movements may seem “off.” When your brain cannot process input from your eyes, ears, or body, you can struggle to balance. Since your body and brain aren’t working together to tell you where you are in space, you’re likely to feel dizzy or wobbly.

Sensory Sensitivity or Disorder

You may start experiencing blurred vision. You may feel like your vision is out of focus and squint in an attempt to sharpen your vision. Double vision is another sign of delayed concussion symptoms. You see two of whatever it is you’re looking at. For example, you could be talking to a friend, but see two images of that friend in front of you.

Concussions can also lead to visual and aural sensitivity. You could experience pain or discomfort from light, especially bright lights. You could also experience hyperacusis, hearing “normal” sounds as painfully loud. 

Nausea and Vomiting

Increased pressure on your brain can make you feel sick to your stomach. That nausea can lead to vomiting. A concussion can disrupt your physiological functioning, including your digestive system. Your stomach can become highly sensitive, another cause of vomiting.

Fatigue

You may feel extremely tired in the time following a concussion. The Cleveland Clinic explains that after a concussion, the brain “will automatically redirect all its energy into healing itself.” That exhaustion is a signal to your body, telling it to slow down, avoid activities, and let the brain recover.

Cognitive Signs of Delayed Concussions

Cognitive functioning refers to the ability to think, learn, remember, focus, and make decisions. After a blow to the head, be on the lookout for cognitive signs of delayed concussion symptoms.

Memory Problems

You could experience a form of amnesia after a concussion. Amnesia is more than simply forgetting where you put the TV remote. You may discover you can’t remember what happened over the last few days or hours, or you may forget important details or events from your life. You could struggle to recognize people or places that are familiar to you.

Confusion

You show signs of confusion when you are not fully aware of what is happening around you. You may seem disoriented, not knowing exactly where you are. Sometimes, confusion involves intermingling or “crossing” memories. For example, you might remember visiting a friend, but mistake which friend you actually saw.

You may be unable to perform simple cognitive tasks, like counting backward from ten. In difficult situations, you could experience hallucinations or “illusions.” You think you see or hear something that really isn’t there.

Lack of Focus

Concussions can take away your ability to focus on a task. You might start something only to lose track of what you’re trying to accomplish or find it impossible to finish. You may become easily distracted. For example, you could start to prepare a sandwich and stop halfway through, finding the separated ingredients on the counter later.

Behavioral and Emotional Signs of Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Sleep disturbances and mood swings are additional signs of delayed concussion symptoms.

Concussions disrupt the body’s sleep and wake cycles, so concussion victims may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Conversely, they might notice they are sleeping more than usual. 

Brain trauma can affect personalities. Concussion victims may feel depressed or anxious. They could demonstrate irritability. They could also have noticeable mood swings, going from happy to sad or excited to angry quickly. 

Signs of Delayed Concussion Symptoms in Infants and Children

Children can experience many of the same concussion symptoms as adults. Still, according to the Cleveland Clinic, there are specific signs and symptoms in babies and children. Little ones may demonstrate increased fussiness or crying and refuse to be consoled.

Sleep patterns could become erratic. These little victims could also demonstrate tiredness or irritability, even if they are on their typical sleep or nap schedule. Babies may refuse to nurse, and children may refuse to eat.

Whether an adult or child sustains head trauma, get medical care right away. Do not risk worsening an injury or delaying recovery. Postponement can also affect the credibility of your injury claim. Noticing the signs of delayed concussion symptoms can help protect you from these outcomes. Once you’ve gotten medical attention, talk to a lawyer about fighting for compensation.

The Dangers of Ignoring Symptoms

Research included in the National Library of Medicine presents findings on Early vs. Delayed Evaluation and Persisting Concussion Symptoms During Recovery in Adults. Victims “who sought care at specialty concussion clinics…30 or more days following their injury” had more serious, continuing symptoms at three-month follow-up appointments than those who received care quickly. 

Concussion symptoms usually resolve within 10 to 14 days, but some victims experience long-term effects or Postconcussive Syndrome (PCS). Symptoms last longer than three months. Risk factors include delaying care and treatment or having already suffered a concussion or other brain injury. 

When you are living with a brain injury, life is harder. PCS can have permanent effects on your cognition and memory, and your ability to learn or carry out executive functioning. 

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Are Dedicated to Justice

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers has provided powerful representation for victims of brain injuries, and we are ready to do the same for you. There are many signs of delayed concussion symptoms. 

To protect your health and your claim outcome, anticipate those signs and get to a doctor right away. Then, connect with us for a free case review. We are dedicated to justice and on your side.