Brain Injuries and the symptoms of concussion

It is not that long ago that being concussed was perhaps seen by some as being macho, or even if recognised as something more serious by others, more or less ignored. Certainly, it is unlikely that adults of an earlier generation would have recognised concussion as a brain injury. The more likely response would be, “Oh, you have had a bang on the head. Never mind. No harm done.”

Thankfully, times have moved on and with it, a wider and deeper understanding of the seriousness of a concussion injury. The National Health Service defines concussion as the sudden but short-lived loss of mental function that occurs after a blow or other injury to the head. Concussion is the most common but least serious type of brain injury.

Symptoms of a concussion injury can include memory loss, interference with vision, confusion and a brief loss of consciousness.

Sports enthusiasts will recognise seeing signs of confusion in George North when playing in the Six Nations. There has been much debate about this incident, particularly around the action, or rather lack of action, taken in response to what viewers saw as a serious injury on the pitch. Concussion was also evident when Fernando Alonso crashed in Barcelona.

The effects of a concussion

The vast majority of individuals who experience a concussion injury make a good recovery, without requiring any medical treatment. But unfortunately a good recovery does not automatically follow and therefore it is important both the individual and those close to them are alive to signs that may indicate all is not well and that a visit to the local hospital is a sensible course of action.Such signs are loss of balance, headaches, difficulty in speaking, drowsiness and confusion.

The outlook for a full recovery is good in most cases, but there are always exceptions and some groups require closer monitoring. The majority of concussion cases occur in children aged between 5 and 14. The most common causes of concussion in this age group is sporting and cycling accidents.

Brain injuries caused by a car accident

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most common causes of concussion for adults are car accidents and falls. In the former, it is likely to occur when the driver or passenger strikes their head against the screen or pillars in the car, or perhaps against other occupants. Sporting activity also elevates the risk of concussion, as highlighted in the two examples above. In both these cases, whilst there has been debate about responses, the fact is that sporting governing bodies have a greater awareness of such injuries and treat them accordingly. There is less evidence of macho behaviour. Concussion may be a minor brain injury, but it is still a brain injury and should be treated accordingly.

Making a compensation claim for a head or brain injury

If you want to enquire about making a head or brain injury claim following a car accident, fall, sporting injury or other incident, please contact one of our experienced brain injury solicitors on 01895 207835 or 01895 207295. Alternatively, you can send an email with your name and contact information and brief details as to the nature of the accident/clinical negligence and the injuries sustained to PI@ibblaw.co.uk and one of our team will be able to help you.