How to Identify a Concussion

Head injuries are all too common today in America. In fact, about 1.7 million people visit the emergency room each year and are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. So how can you tell whether you or your loved one has a simple bump on the noggin or should seek medical attention?

Serious Head Injury Symptoms

Here are some symptoms to watch for to see if a head injury is serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. 

• Loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds
• Recurring or worsening nausea, sleepiness, or headaches
• Vomiting
• Pupil dilation
• Irritability, confusion, or other drastic behavior changes
• Difficulty speaking clearly or walking smoothly
• Numb or weak legs, arms, or other extremities
• Seizures or convulsions
• Clear fluid or blood drainage from nose or ears 

When the injury victim is a young child, parents should see if the toddler or baby refuses to eat and/or continues to cry despite efforts to console them. Children may also exhibit some of the systems listed above.

In most cases, the head injury will be diagnosed as a concussion. If this is the case, the patient will likely be sent home with orders to remain under observation by family members. But the initial examination by a physician is still important because they can determine if the head injury is in fact more serious.

To learn more about traumatic brain injuries, please visit our article library.

Contacting a Clarksburg Personal Injury Attorney

Traumatic brain injuries are just one of the possible injuries that can affect accident victims for years or for the rest of their lives. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by neglect, then contact the Clarksburg personal injury attorneys at The Miley Legal Group for a FREE consultation about your case - (304) 326-1800.