A Closer Look at the Dangers of Undiagnosed Concussions

Whether you are a football fan, hockey fan or baseball fan, there is a very good chance that you’ve heard or read a fair amount about the issue of serious brain injuries in sports. In particular, you’ve probably learned more about how undiagnosed concussions are leading to both serious physical and mental issues for players, and forcing many to retire at a very young age.

While this is certainly a topic deserving of significant coverage, it’s important for people to understand that it’s not just athletes who can suffer debilitating and even fatal head injuries. From a seemingly minor car accident, to a fall in a poorly maintained parking lot, to a reckless shove during an unprovoked altercation, everyday people can also suffer serious concussions due to the negligence of another. Furthermore, these concussions can also go undiagnosed if the proper caution is not exercised.

In general, medical experts indicate that concussions occur whenever there is any type of trauma to a person’s head or neck that causes their brain to move within their skull. In fact, they point out that concussions can be caused by both direct force (i.e., striking your head on the concrete parking lot) and indirect force (i.e., the sudden deceleration of an automobile to avoid hitting a negligent driver).

Some of the more common symptoms of concussions — or moderate traumatic brain injuries (M TBIs) as they are now known in the medical community — include severe headache, nausea/vomiting, inability to focus and dizziness to name only a few.

Medical experts indicate that anyone experiencing these symptoms should strongly consider going to an emergency room where a trained physician can run the necessary tests, make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment regimen.

Given the gravity of the stakes involved and what can happen if a concussion goes undiagnosed, it’s imperative that people don’t put off medical treatment.

Remember, if you or a loved one has suffered a serious brain injury due to the negligence of another here in Tennessee, you should consider speaking with an experienced attorney who can help you secure both justice.

Source: The Herald-Dispatch, “Three things you need to know about concussions,” August 22, 2013