National Concussion Awareness Day
The national conversation around concussion has grown significantly in recent years. Although competitive sports may come to mind (and for good reason given the statistics), the risk of concussion extends beyond the field. National Concussion Awareness Day from the Brain Injury Association of America is Sept. 18. Keep reading to learn more about concussion facts, causes and symptoms.
The Statistics
The CDC reports an estimated 2.8 million sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year resulting in 50,000 deaths, 282,000 hospitalizations and 2.5 million receiving emergency department treatment. The CDC also found TBI is a contributing factor to 30 percent of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
What is a concussion?
The CDC defines a concussion as follows: “A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.”
What are the causes?
The CDC reports “a bump, blow, or jolt to the head can cause a concussion,” also citing “a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.” Unfortunately, concussions are all too common in auto and motorcycle accidents. We also see them in injuries sustained by workers at job sites due to a fall or being struck in the head by accident.
**What are the symptoms?
**The Brain Injury Association of America published a list of general signs of concussion, which they describe as ranging from “hard-to-see to quite obvious.” They are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred Speech
- Appearing Dazed, Confused
- Ringing in the Ears
- Delayed Response to Questions
- Loss of Consciousness
They also provide a helpful breakdown of cognitive, physical, emotional and sleep signs of concussion. For example, feeling “in a ‘fog’” or not being able to think clearly (cognitive) may translate into a headache (physical), feeling sad (emotional) and sleeping more (sleep). Another example is having trouble following conversations (cognitive), suffering from post-traumatic amnesia (physical), feeling easily irritated (emotional) and having difficulty falling asleep (sleep).
Treatment
The Brain Injury Association of America urges people to seek medical attention right away if you have sustained a “bump, blow or jolt to the head” accompanied by these symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness or cannot be awakened
- One pupil is larger than the other
- Convulsions or seizures
- Not able to recognize people or places
- A feeling of increased confusion, restlessness or agitation
- Unusual behavior and/or loss of consciousness
We’re Here to Help
Contact our personal injury firm if you or a family member has suffered an injury or been seriously hurt in an auto accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.