Concussions – Common Injury infrequently diagnosed.

A concussion is a common, yet frequently undiagnosed and unrecognized injury sustained in automobile collisions.

In fact, in the United States traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a leading cause of death for persons under the age of 45. If you or a loved one has endured direct trauma to the head, or been involved in an incident involving indirect trauma to the head, it is critical that you be aware of the common signs indicative of traumatic brain injury so you may request and obtain the proper medical care.

Signs indicative of suffering a TBI include the obvious such as dizziness, headache, disorientation, and forgetfulness. But also commonly include the not so obvious such as depression, mood swings, insomnia, vomiting and loss of libido.

Direct trauma can cause severe brain injury because destructive shock waves are sent through the brain matter. In an automobile collision, direct trauma can occur when the skull strikes a steering wheel, side window and/or body of the car.

It is important to know that indirect trauma, or trauma not involving direct contact with the skull, can be every bit as damaging as direct trauma. Severe whiplash can involve significant forces that may shake or rotate the brain enough to cause permanent brain damage. The injured person may not have any outside indications of suffering a significant brain injury but such an injury can potentially be recognized if the symptoms, noted above, are noticed.

Broken bones can mend, bruises and cuts can heal, but an injury to the brain, though not as easily diagnosed as a broken bone, bruise or cut, can be extremely damaging or deadly if not recognized and treated promptly.

The Law Offices of Edward A. Smith specialize in representing persons suffering traumatic brain injuries at the fault of others. If you or a loved one has endured such an unfortunate event, please contact us.