Concussions are the most common form of brain injury in the United States. According to the website of Pohl & Berk, LLP, concussions make up 75 percent of the 1.7 million brain injuries in the U.S. every year. This mild form of brain injury is generally caused by bumping or receiving a direct blow to the head. When these accidents occur, the soft tissue of the brain can be damaged through the protective spinal fluid and shell-like skull. Sometimes the brain will bruise, blood vessels will break, and nerve damage will occur.
Children’s heads take up a much larger percentage of their bodies than the adult proportions. Due to this, children are the most common recipients of concussions. Usually sports and recreational activities are involved at the time of accidents. Physical activity is also a leading cause in adults receiving concussions. Adults also may suffer a concussion from a workplace injury, in a car or bicycle accident, or during a fight or fall.
Symptoms of a concussion include blurred or impaired vision, loss of equilibrium, confusion, slurred speech, headaches, memory loss, or sensitivity to light. These symptoms can last anytime between a few seconds to several weeks depending on the severity of the brain injury. There are different grades to concussions depending on the symptoms and severity of brain damage. Grade 1 concussions last no longer than 15 minutes, grade 2 will last longer than 15 minutes but not result in loss of consciousness, and grade 3 concussions happen when the injured party loses consciousness.
While concussions may be the least harmful type of brain injury, severe forms of concussions can still be fatal. The physical, emotional, and psychological pain that concussions can cause may be devastating to an individual. If you received a concussion because of a vehicular accident or work place injury, consult an attorney in your area to discuss legal options to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.