Post-Concussion Symptoms

Concussions are a common type of injury, yet many people don’t realize that symptoms can sometimes take days or weeks to appear. These post-concussion symptoms can complicate recovery which can lead to ongoing discomfort and long-term issues if not addressed properly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Concussion Surveillance System pilot survey, 12% of adults and 10% of children reported experiencing a head injury in the past year alone. Here’s everything you need to know about concussions and what to do when symptoms are delayed.

What Can Cause a Concussion?

Concussions can happen in many different types of situations. Here are some of the most common causes:

Slip and falls can cause head injuries when someone hits the ground or strikes an object during a fall.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause the brain to jolt inside the skull, even if the head does not make direct contact with anything.
Bike accidents can result in concussions from falls or collisions, even if the rider was wearing a helmet.
Physical violence, like being punched or hit in the head, can cause a concussion from the force of impact.
Sports injuries from playing contact sports, can cause concussions through collisions, falls, or sudden movements.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussions can cause a range of symptoms that affect both physical and cognitive functions. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Trouble with thinking or problem-solving
Emotional changes like irritability, anxiety, and depression
Insomnia
Trouble staying asleep
Increased sensitivity to lights and noises
Sensory changes in taste and smell

It’s important to keep in mind that the symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person. They may also change throughout the recovery process, with some symptoms appearing later or changing over time.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

In some cases, a concussion can lead to life-threatening complications. One of the most serious risks is the development of a dangerous blood clot that presses against the brain. Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention immediately:

A headache that worsens over time and doesn’t go away
Weakness, numbness, poor coordination, or seizures
Repeated vomiting or slurred speech
Unusual behavior, confusion, or the inability to recognize familiar people or places
One pupil appears larger than the other
Loss of consciousness, extreme drowsiness, or an inability to be woken up

For children, the symptoms can be similar to the ones above, but they may manifest a bit differently. If your child has sustained a head injury and shows any of the following signs, please seek immediate medical attention:

Any of the danger signs listed for adults
Persistent crying that cannot be soothed
Refusal to nurse or eat

How Long After an Injury Can Concussion Symptoms Occur?

Concussion symptoms can show up at different times for different people. Some may experience symptoms immediately following the injury, while others might not notice any issues for hours or even days later.

In many cases, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion appear within the first few minutes or hours; however, other symptoms like memory issues or emotional changes can develop more slowly. It’s important to monitor for any signs of a concussion after a head injury, even if everything seems fine at first. Fortunately, many people with a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion begin to feel better within a few weeks.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms to Look For

Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms last longer than expected, often continuing for weeks or even months after the initial injury. This condition can be debilitating as it includes symptoms like:

Persistent headaches or migraines
Dizziness or balance issues
Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or other memory problems
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive fatigue

Some people are more at risk for developing post-concussion syndrome. Studies suggest that increasing age may contribute to the likelihood of prolonged concussion symptoms. Additionally, women are more often diagnosed with this condition, possibly because they are more likely to seek medical care when symptoms persist.

How Concussions Are Diagnosed

Diagnosing a concussion starts with self-reported symptoms, as many signs of concussion aren’t always apparent. To help with this, healthcare providers will use a symptom scale where patients can report things like headaches, dizziness, confusion, or balance issues. Some of the guidelines used require an “alteration” of consciousness in order for your symptoms to be considered or diagnosed as a concussion.

Aside from self-reporting, more objective tools can be used. The Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) are two common methods. These tools evaluate cognitive functions like memory, attention, and reaction times. They also look at physical coordination and balance which can help in identifying potential neurological impairments caused by the injury.

If symptoms persist or are more severe, a more thorough diagnostic evaluation may be required. This can include neuroimaging like CT scans or MRIs which can rule out more serious injuries like brain bleeding or swelling.

Treatment Options for Concussions

Recovery from a concussion is typically divided into three phases: acute symptomatic phase, the recovery phase, and the recovered phase. Each phase has its own care guidelines for quicker healing.

Acute Symptomatic Phase

During the first 24 hours after a concussion, it’s best to avoid medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium (Aleve) because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, you can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief during this phase. Once the initial 24 hours have passed, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium are generally more effective for managing pain and are considered safe to use. For nausea and vomiting, prescription medications may be necessary.

Rest is crucial during this time, especially restful sleep, as it will help in the brain’s recovery process. If you experience sleep disturbances like difficulty falling or staying asleep, consult your doctor for recommendations. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can also contribute to a smoother recovery.

Recovery Phase

After an initial rest period of 1-2 days, you’ll want to focus on cognitive and physical activity. Normal daily activities should be reintroduced slowly based on how well symptoms are managed. In recent years, studies have shown that limited physical activity during the recovery phase may actually encourage quicker healing compared to prolonged rest.

When returning to normal activities, you should track your symptoms carefully. If any activity worsens your symptoms, slow down and adjust your activity level. Cognitive tasks should come first, followed by light physical exercise, with a gradual increase as symptoms subside.

Medications may still be necessary during this phase, but it’s recommended that consistent use of pain medications, especially for headaches, be reserved for more severe cases. Overuse of these medications can lead to rebound headaches in which pain becomes worse or more frequent due to medication resistance.

Recovered Phase

The recovered phase is when patients are symptom-free and can return to their regular activities, both mentally and physically. For those under the age of 18, a normal recovery time is around 30 days. On the other hand, adults can usually recover from a concussion within 14 days. It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion.

Even after recovery, patients should monitor for any recurring symptoms and avoid activities that could result in another head injury as a second concussion can be more damaging than the first. Always consult with a medical professional before resuming high-risk activities like sports or physical exertion.

Get Legal Help After Sustaining a Concussion

Post-concussion symptoms can appear days or even weeks after the initial injury, and these symptoms can seriously disrupt your daily life. Whether your concussion results from a car accident, slip and fall, or another form of negligence, you could be dealing with more than physical pain – medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of recovery can all add more stress.

If your concussion was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your legal rights are protected. At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we have the skills and knowledge required when handling concussion-related personal injury cases. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.