Find out exactly what you should do for a personal injury claim after a car accident in Florence, Muscle Shoals, and all
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. It can result from car accidents, workplace injuries, falls, sports impacts, or other sudden forces. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory problems, and changes in behavior. In some cases, repeated concussions can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to dangerous brain swelling. Prompt recognition and proper care are critical.
A concussion happens when a strong hit or jolt to the head or body shakes the brain inside the skull. It can cause dizziness, confusion, headaches, and noticeable changes in mood or behavior.
If you suffer a head injury, you need to seek medical care as soon as possible. Warning signs like repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, or increasing confusion can signal a serious complication that needs immediate medical attention.
Simple safety steps can help prevent concussions. Wearing helmets, buckling seat belts, and removing tripping hazards at home all lower the risk, especially for kids and people in high-contact sports.
Concussions are one of the most common types of brain injuries, ranging from mild to severe, and can affect memory, coordination, mood, and overall cognitive function. Even a seemingly minor bump to the head can have serious consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
A mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, occurs when a sudden impact or jolt to the head or body interferes with normal brain function. The force causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to temporary changes in thinking, balance, mood, or coordination.
Not every head injury results in a concussion—its severity depends on the strength, angle, and location of the impact, as well as how each person’s brain responds. While labeled “mild,” a concussion can have serious effects if ignored or left untreated, including prolonged symptoms and potential long-term complications.
Understanding how concussions occur, recognizing their signs, and seeking timely medical evaluation are critical to preventing further injury and protecting your overall health.
Common concussion symptoms can vary widely, and they may not appear immediately after the injury. Some people notice problems within minutes, while others may not feel the effects for hours or even days. Early signs can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, fatigue, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light and noise. These symptoms indicate that a head injury needs prompt evaluation.
Concussions can also affect thinking and memory. You might have trouble recalling events before or after the injury, struggle to concentrate, respond slowly in conversation, or slurred speech. These cognitive changes can make daily activities harder and reduce your ability to focus or process information. In some cases, post-concussive symptoms last for weeks or months, interfering with work, school, and personal life.
Emotional changes are another warning sign. Increased irritability, sudden mood swings, or feelings of depression can develop after a concussion, sometimes gradually. Because symptoms can worsen or linger, it’s important to monitor closely for several days after any significant head impact. Recognizing these signs early and seeking prompt medical assistance can help prevent long-term complications and support recovery.
A concussion injury occurs when a sudden force causes the brain to move inside the skull, disrupting normal function. Falls are the leading cause, especially for young children and older adults, and can happen at home, work, or during recreational activities. Sports injuries—particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer—are another major source, as frequent collisions and accidental impacts increase the risk. Motor vehicle accidents, even without a direct blow to the head, can jolt the brain enough to cause injury. Other causes include workplace incidents, explosions, physical assaults, and other high-impact events.
Certain factors make concussions more likely or more dangerous. Playing contact sports without proper protective gear, riding a bicycle or motorcycle without a helmet, or having a history of previous concussions all increase risk. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications face greater chances of serious complications. Children and older adults remain especially vulnerable because of higher fall risks and slower recovery times.
Many concussions can be prevented by wearing helmets, buckling seat belts, addressing hazards in the home, and following safety rules in sports and on the road. These steps help reduce the chance of injury and protect long-term brain health.
When you experience a blow to the head or body, a health care provider will start by asking how the injury happened and what symptoms you’re having. This helps determine how the brain may have been affected. They often use cognitive tests to check memory, concentration, reaction time, and problem-solving skills, which can reveal signs of a concussion.
A neurological exam may follow, assessing vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. These tests help identify any issues caused by the injury. Imaging tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed axial tomography or CAT) scans are generally not needed for a concussion unless symptoms are severe—such as intense headaches, persistent vomiting, seizures, or signs of bleeding in the brain.
Because symptoms can worsen after the injury, doctors may recommend close observation for the first 24 to 48 hours. Monitoring during this period is critical to catch any changes early and guide safe recovery.
These symptoms may indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or another serious injury. Such conditions can be life-threatening, so seek medical assistance right away. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Keep a close watch for at least 24 hours after the injury, since serious problems may not appear immediately. Avoid any activity that risks another head impact until a doctor confirms it’s safe. This includes delaying a return to sports, work, or other physical activities. Acting quickly and following medical advice can prevent further harm and support a safer recovery.
Recovering from a concussion takes both medical care and patience. Doctors usually recommend rest for the first 24–48 hours, followed by a gradual return to normal activity as symptoms improve. Light exercise, such as walking, can help keep your muscles strong and improve balance, lowering the risk of future falls.
You may need short-term changes at work or school to avoid overexertion. For headaches, acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is often preferred since some pain relievers can increase the risk of bleeding. If dizziness, vision problems, or balance issues continue, rehabilitation therapy may be necessary to support full recovery.
When a concussion happens because of a auto accident, workplace incident, or other preventable event, it’s important to protect both your health and your legal rights. McCutcheon & Hamner helps Alabama injury victims get the treatment they need and the compensation they deserve, so you can focus on getting well while we handle the rest.
A single concussion can heal with proper care, but repeated head injuries raise the risk of long-term problems. One serious condition linked to repeated trauma is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease caused by ongoing damage to nerve cells. CTE can lead to memory loss, poor judgment, mood swings, and changes in behavior.
Another dangerous complication is second impact syndrome, which occurs when a second concussion happens before the first has fully healed. This can trigger rapid and severe brain swelling, sometimes resulting in permanent disability or death.
Multiple concussions can also cause ongoing cognitive problems, persistent headaches, mood changes, and balance issues. Recognizing these risks early and avoiding further head injuries is essential to preventing lasting harm.
Concussions & TBI injuries are more common than most people realize. In Alabama alone, over 3,100 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were reported in 2023, with many caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. Nationwide, experts estimate 1.7 to 3.8 million TBIs occur each year, and concussions make up the majority of those cases. Many go unreported, meaning the real number is likely higher.
Protecting your head isn’t just about safety — it can protect your health and livelihood. At the personal injury law offices of McCutcheon & Hamner, we’ve seen firsthand how a concussion can change a person’s life, especially when it’s caused by someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car wreck or workplace accident, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Young children, particularly in this age group, often can’t clearly describe how they feel after a head injury, making concussions harder to detect. Signs may include irritability, confusion, dizziness, or changes in eating and sleeping habits. Symptoms can appear hours or even days later, so close monitoring is essential.
Recovery may require school adjustments like lighter workloads or extra time for assignments. Prompt medical assistance is vital, as untreated or repeated concussions can cause lasting harm.
A serious form of pediatric brain injury is shaken baby syndrome, caused by violent shaking that can lead to brain bleeding, swelling, or permanent damage. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
If a child’s brain injury results from a car accident, unsafe property, abuse, or sports negligence, McCutcheon & Hamner can pursue compensation for medical care, educational support, and future needs.
Suffering more than one concussion can cause lasting damage to brain function and overall health. Repeated head injuries increase the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease linked to memory loss, mood changes, and impaired judgment.
Multiple concussions can also disrupt hormone production, affecting growth, stress response, and thyroid function. These imbalances can impact physical health, mood, and energy levels.
Recovery often takes longer after each additional concussion, and symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating are more likely to persist. Over time, these effects can interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. Recognizing the risks of repeated head injuries is key to prevention and long-term well-being.
Recovery from a serious brain injury often requires medical assistance, therapy, and strong personal support. Family members and caregivers can help by assisting with daily tasks, encouraging rehabilitation, and providing emotional support. Physical, occupational, or speech therapy may be recommended to restore skills. Counseling and support groups can help manage mood changes and stress during recovery.
New research is improving how concussions are diagnosed, treated, and prevented. Innovations like EyeBOX, the first FDA-approved concussion diagnostic tool without a baseline test, and the updated SCAT6 assessment are speeding detection. Advances in MRI technology are revealing subtle brain changes not visible on CT scans. Programs like the 2023 Women’s World Cup concussion spotters show how proactive monitoring can protect athletes and reduce long-term harm.
Several trusted organizations provide guidance, education, and support for individuals dealing with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) offers detailed information on TBI symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes evidence-based guidelines for preventing, identifying, and managing concussions, along with tools for patients, families, and caregivers. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) connects individuals with support networks, educational materials, advocacy programs, and community-based resources tailored to those living with brain injuries.
Healthcare professionals, including neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, and neuropsychologists, play a vital role in both diagnosing injuries and overseeing long-term recovery. Prompt medical evaluation after a head injury, combined with access to these resources, can help prevent complications, improve recovery outcomes, and support long-term brain health.
A concussion is a brain injury that can cause lasting problems if not treated promptly. Physical symptoms may appear right away or develop over time, making early recognition and medical evaluation essential. Quick action after a head injury can improve recovery and reduce the risk of long-term effects.
Taking precautions—such as wearing helmets, using seat belts, and following sports safety rules—can greatly reduce the chances of head injuries. Children need close monitoring, as they may have trouble explaining how they feel. Avoiding repeat head injuries is critical to protecting brain health.
When a concussion is caused by someone else’s negligence, your health and financial recovery matter. McCutcheon & Hamner partner with medical experts to make sure you receive the right treatment and ongoing support. We fight to recover compensation for your medical assistance, lost income, and future needs so you can focus on healing.
Concussions and TBI cause life changes. We document every symptom and fight for full compensation—not just medical bills.
Facts win these cases.
Yes. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Seeking medical attention promptly can protect your health and strengthen your case.
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