Each of us faces circumstances that can result in personal injury. Whether visiting a retail store, riding a bicycle, receiving medical treatment, or riding in a car. Sometimes injuries result from our conduct. Often, we suffer harm from the negligence of others.
Our most significant concern is protecting our children. They generally do not have the life lessons and judgment to defend themselves adequately. Moreover, they cannot control the injury-causing instrumentality when involved in motor vehicle accidents. Nevertheless, children can suffer severe injuries in car wrecks like anyone else. In this blog post, we will discuss children’s concussions, along with signs to look for in diagnosing them.
What Is a Concussion and How Are they Caused?
You have likely heard about concussions all of your life. If you are a sports fan, you know that concussions and the protocols for treating them have become a topic of constant conversation. However, you may have never considered the medical definition of concussion.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Blood vessels and nerves in the brain can be stretched, resulting in chemical changes. The concussion produces a temporary loss of normal brain functioning. Concussions are often caused by a blow directly to the head. An obvious example would be someone intentionally struck in the head with an object like a stick.
However, a blow or jolt to the head can also result from many accidental scenarios. For example, a child could fall off a bicycle and strike his head on the road. Similarly, kids can hit their heads on walls and other objects when playing. When it comes to car accidents, the force of the accident can cause a victim’s head to strike a dash or other fixed object. Children have also suffered concussions as a result of defective car seats.
Finally, in some instances, a whiplash-type motion can cause the brain to shake or move violently and strike the inside of the skull, resulting in a concussion. For example, a violent car accident can cause a concussion even if the head does not hit an object.
Signs of a Possible Concussion
If your child suffers a head injury, or is involved in a car accident, it is vital to watch for a possible concussion. Below are some of the potential symptoms of a concussion:
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Appears dazed.
- Memory problems
- Seems unsure of the current environment.
- Forgetful
- Demonstrates mood or behavior changes.
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Responds or answers questions slowly.
- Feels groggy or sluggish.
- Suffers vision problems.
- Loss of consciousness
- Forgets instructions.
Sometimes symptoms are immediate. However, it is essential to remember that some of these symptoms may not occur for several hours or even days after the event. If you see any potential signs of concussion, it is wise to seek medical attention.
Effects of Concussions
Many times, concussions are mild, and the issues resolved quickly. In other instances, complications can develop. Some concussed individuals develop post-concussion syndrome, in which the abovementioned symptoms last longer than expected. This can cause children to experience difficulties with school, activities, and ordinary life. Additionally, there are times that an injury believed to be a concussion turns out to be a more severe brain injury.
Call with Questions
If you have questions about your rights or the rights of your child in the event of an automobile accident lawsuit, please call us for a free consultation. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Nelson MacNeil Rayfield represent car accident victims all over the state of Oregon. We believe that the best way to keep Oregon’s roads safe is to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Please call us.