The Statistics Are Telling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares several important statistics related to concussions and other TBIs, including:
In 2014, TBIs played a role in the deaths of more than 55,000 people.
Slip and falls are the first leading cause of all hospitalizations related to TBIs (accounting for 52 percent of the total number).
Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of all hospitalizations related to TBIs (accounting for 20 percent of the overall number).
In 2014, traffic accidents were the leading cause of TBI-related deaths in those aged 15 to 34 and those over the age of 75.
Common Sleeper Symptoms
Concussions are typically the result of a jolt to the head, neck, and/or shoulders that causes the brain to knock into the protective shell of the skull. While sometimes concussions make themselves known with physical symptoms from the outset, they are often referred to as silent injuries for their ability to hide in plain sight. There are a variety of covert symptoms that can be indicative of a concussion.
Sleep Disturbances
If you experience a change in your sleeping patterns after being involved in a traffic or slip and fall accident, it could be a sign of a concussion. For example, if you find that you are having trouble sleeping when you had no such trouble before, or you find that you are sleeping far more than is usual for you, take the matter seriously and seek medical attention.
Elusive Physical Symptoms
Some victims of concussions experience physical symptoms that come and go or are otherwise elusive. These can include:
Fuzzy, blurry, or otherwise altered vision
The onset of headaches
Slurred or otherwise altered speech
Nausea and vomiting
Cognitive Disturbances
Other tell-tale signs of concussions are cognitive disturbances, such as having new-found difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, and/or organizing your thoughts. If you are having trouble retaining information and/or you feel like you are living in a fog, do not wait to consult with your doctor.
Emotional Consequences
Again, the consequences of a concussion can be extremely unpredictable, and many victims find that they suffer difficult emotional consequences in the wake of such injuries. These effects can include:
Increased anxiety
Mood swings
Increased irritability
Symptoms of depression
Emotional lability
Difficulty coping
Self-isolation
Seek the Professional Guidance of an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney
If someone else’s negligence leaves you with a concussion, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an intrepid personal injury attorney with the experience, fortitude, and legal insight to help. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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