As the victim of a car accident, you may feel dazed or disoriented after the collision. Your head may have hit the steering wheel, window, or suffered other impacts that caused a traumatic brain injury known as a concussion. While concussions are common and often considered minor, they require proper diagnosis and treatment. Failing to get the necessary care for a concussion can lead to severe and long-term problems. Discussing your case with a texas car accident lawyer is always a good idea.
The Effects of an Untreated Concussion
An untreated concussion can have serious and long-lasting consequences. If you've suffered a head injury, it's critical to get properly diagnosed and follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan.
Physical Effects
An untreated concussion often leads to persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise. You may have trouble concentrating or difficulty sleeping. Repeated head injuries can result in long-term issues with memory, coordination, and decision making.
Emotional and Mental Impact
An untreated concussion can also take a toll on your mental health and emotional well-being. You may experience irritability, anxiety, or depression. Difficulty coping with stress or regulating emotions is common. These struggles may disrupt relationships and day-to-day life.
Long-Term Damage
Without treatment, a concussion can lead to serious long-term brain damage known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This degenerative disease causes a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms that tend to worsen over time. CTE has been linked to a higher risk of dementia, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
In summary, an untreated concussion should not be taken lightly. The effects can persist for weeks, months or even become permanent. Seeking medical care promptly after a head injury gives you the best chance of making a full recovery and avoiding long-term health issues. Your brain health and well-being depend on it.
Why You Should Seek Medical Care After a Car Accident
If you have suffered a concussion in a car accident, it is critical that you seek medical attention promptly. An untreated concussion can have serious long-term health consequences.
A concussion occurs when there is a traumatic blow to the head that causes the brain to shake violently within the skull. This can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in the brain that need to be monitored. While some concussions may appear minor, without proper diagnosis and management the damage could be severe.
Some symptoms of a concussion may not appear for days or weeks after the initial injury. A medical professional can properly assess your condition, determine the severity, and prescribe a treatment plan to avoid permanent damage. They may order imaging scans, memory tests, balance assessments and other diagnostics to evaluate the state of your brain.
If left unattended, a concussion could develop into a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or second impact syndrome (SIS). These degenerative brain diseases can cause memory loss, impaired thinking, and mental health issues. In a worst case, a second impact to the head after an initial concussion could be fatal.
No two concussions are alike, so an individualized recovery plan is needed. Under the guidance of a doctor, most concussions heal within a few weeks to months. However, it requires rest, limited stimulation, and gradual reintroduction of normal activities.
A medical evaluation after any head trauma in a car accident is essential to detect the presence of a concussion, determine appropriate treatment, and safeguard your long term brain health. Do not delay - seek medical care right away. Your brain will thank you for it.
Long-Term Complications of an Untreated Concussion
If a concussion goes untreated, serious long-term complications can develop. These effects may become permanent if not properly diagnosed and managed.
Memory Loss and Impaired Cognitive Ability
An untreated concussion can lead to issues with memory, concentration, and decision making. The brain has been injured and needs time to heal, so cognitive demands should be limited during recovery. Without treatment, the brain does not get the rest it needs and cognitive problems may persist or worsen.
Second Impact Syndrome
Suffering another head injury before recovering from an initial concussion can be life-threatening. Second impact syndrome causes rapid and severe brain swelling, and often catastrophic outcomes. It is critical to avoid activities where re-injury is likely until fully recovered from a concussion.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Headache, dizziness, irritability, and sensitivity to light or noise are common symptoms following a concussion. However, if these symptoms last for weeks or months, it indicates post-concussion syndrome. Difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression may also develop. Treatment like physical therapy, occupational therapy or counseling can help address post-concussion syndrome.
Degenerative Brain Conditions
There is a hypothesized link between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions and long-term degenerative brain diseases. Conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease may emerge or progress more rapidly in those with a history of TBIs. While research is ongoing, avoiding or properly managing concussions may help lower the risk.
In summary, an untreated concussion should be taken seriously. The damaging effects to memory, cognition, and brain structure can be long-lasting without proper diagnosis, rest, and management. Seeking medical care right away for even a mild concussion is critical to avoiding permanent impairment and preventing the development of dangerous long-term complications.
How a Texas Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You Have an Untreated Concussion
Sustaining a concussion after a car accident can have serious consequences if left untreated. Let a professional handle your claim and answer your questions, such as whether you had the right of way in a car accident. An untreated concussion may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, impaired memory, decreased cognitive ability, personality changes, and other issues. If you were involved in a collision and believe you may have suffered a concussion, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer is critical.
A qualified attorney can advise you of your rights and help ensure proper medical care is provided. They can deal with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Your lawyer may hire expert witnesses to testify to the severity and long-term effects of your injuries.
Legal counsel may also investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine if another party was at fault. Faulty vehicle parts, dangerous road conditions, or reckless driving behavior could entitle you to additional compensation. With the statute of limitations on personal injury claims being two years in Texas, prompt action is important.
The effects of an untreated concussion may not manifest for months or even years after an accident. However, establishing a documented medical history and treatment plan as early as possible will strengthen your claim. Your attorney can recommend reputable doctors and specialists to properly assess and diagnose your condition. They can then use medical records and testimony to prove how your life and livelihood have been impacted.
Suffering a concussion in a car crash is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Enlisting the help of an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer is the best way to get the medical care and financial compensation you need and deserve. They have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case, even for injuries that do not show immediate symptoms. Do not delay—contact a lawyer today for a free case evaluation and to discuss your legal options.
The Importance of Documentation After a Car Accident
After a car accident resulting in a concussion, proper documentation is critical. Failure to do so can negatively impact any legal claims you may pursue to recover damages.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Following an accident, you should seek medical care right away. Doctors can properly assess your condition, run any necessary tests to determine if a concussion has occurred, and provide a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. With more severe injuries, such as falling from tall heights, it's critical to get an evaluation. Be sure to obtain copies of all medical records related to your diagnosis and care.
Record Details About the Incident
Note as many details about the accident as possible, including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident and whether there were any hazards such as a railroad crossing.
- Whether a safe distance was left between the cars.
- Contact information for any witnesses.
- The make, model, color, license plate number, and driver details for all vehicles involved.
- Pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Details about what happened before, during and after the collision.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help determine if you have grounds for a legal claim to recover damages related to your concussion and any other injuries. They can review documentation from the accident and work with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf. The sooner you consult with an attorney after an accident, the more effectively they can advocate for you.
Failing to properly document a concussion after a car accident or waiting too long to seek medical attention and legal counsel can jeopardize your health, recovery and legal options. Be proactive by taking action right away to get the help and compensation you deserve. With the right documentation and support, you'll be in the best position possible following this unfortunate event.
Fletcher Law Texas Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help
If a concussion from a car accident goes untreated, it can lead to serious long-term issues. As personal injury attorneys, we see many clients who did not receive proper diagnosis or treatment for a concussion, and are now suffering from the consequences.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
When a concussion is left untreated, it can develop into post-concussion syndrome. This can cause headaches, dizziness, memory problems, insomnia, and irritability that last for weeks or months. In some cases, the symptoms may become chronic. Treatment for post-concussion syndrome typically involves rest, medication for specific symptoms, and therapy. Early diagnosis and management of a concussion helps prevent progression to post-concussion syndrome.
Second Impact Syndrome
A second head injury before recovering from an initial concussion can lead to second impact syndrome. This is a dangerous condition in which the brain swells rapidly after a second head trauma. It can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or death. Anyone who experiences a head injury should refrain from activities where another head trauma is likely until cleared by a doctor.
Long-Term Brain Damage
Multiple untreated concussions over time can cause permanent structural damage to the brain. This is known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and can lead to loss of memory, impaired judgment, and progressive dementia. Seeking medical care after each head injury helps minimize the risks of CTE and other long-term consequences.
The attorneys at Fletcher Law have years of experience helping clients with brain injuries due to negligence or unsafe conditions. We understand the serious impact of untreated concussions and will fight to get you the compensation from the liability insurance company you deserve for medical care and damages. Don’t delay—contact us today for a free case review and to discuss your legal options. We're here to help you on the road to recovery.
Conclusion
As you have read, leaving a concussion untreated can have lasting consequences. The risks are simply too great to ignore symptoms or avoid proper diagnosis and care. While rest and over-the-counter medications may provide some relief, only a doctor can determine if the concussion requires emergency care or more intensive treatment and monitoring. The injury lawyers at Fletcher Law are here to help.
Do not delay in seeking medical evaluation following any head injury. Your health and safety should be the top priority. The effects of an untreated concussion may emerge slowly over time through impaired thinking, memory problems, personality changes, and other issues that significantly impact your life and relationships. Take action now to avoid potentially permanent damage and ensure the best possible recovery and outcome. Your future well-being depends on the steps you take today. Seek help right away.