You may walk away from a crash or fall feeling shaken but otherwise fine, only to develop a headache or trouble concentrating later. Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or take hours or days to become noticeable. If you develop new symptoms after a blow or jolt to your head or body, seek a medical evaluation, even if you did not lose consciousness.
Headaches
A headache may develop later that day or grow more noticeable when you return to work, read, or use a screen. Tell a healthcare provider when it began and whether it is changing. A headache that keeps getting worse and does not go away is an emergency warning sign after a head injury.
Dizziness or Balance Problems
You might feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as though you need to hold onto something while walking. Turning your head or moving through a busy space may make the feeling more noticeable. Because dizziness can have several causes, a medical evaluation can help determine what is happening.
Nausea or Vomiting
An upset stomach can occur with a concussion, particularly early on. It may be easy to blame nausea on stress if it begins after you leave the accident scene. Tell a clinician about it. Repeated vomiting after a head injury calls for immediate emergency care.
Blurred Vision
Vision problems may make it harder to read, focus on a screen, or navigate familiar surroundings. Note when the change began and whether it occurs along with dizziness or a headache. If one pupil appears larger than the other after a head injury, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Sensitivity to Light or Noise
Ordinary lights, traffic sounds, or conversations may suddenly seem uncomfortable or overwhelming. These changes might become apparent only when you resume your usual activities. Let a healthcare provider know if light or noise begins to bother you after an accident.
Trouble Concentrating and Unusual Fatigue
You may reread the same sentence, lose track of a conversation, or struggle to finish a familiar task. Concentration problems often stand out once you return to work or school. Feeling mentally foggy or slower than usual can also be a concussion symptom.
You may need more breaks than usual or find that routine tasks take much more effort. Watch for severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up: these are emergency warning signs.
Memory Problems
Forgetting an appointment, repeating a question, or having difficulty recalling details can signal that something is wrong. Write down when you first noticed the problem and ask someone close to you whether they have observed changes. Increasing confusion, inability to recognize people or places, or unusual behavior requires immediate emergency care.
Sleep Changes
Some people sleep more than usual; others sleep less or have trouble falling asleep. Sleep problems may become apparent over the days following an injury. Tell your healthcare provider about changes that interfere with daily life.
Irritability or Mood Changes
You may feel more anxious, emotional, sad, or easily frustrated than usual. Family and friends sometimes notice these changes before the injured person does. Mood symptoms are worth mentioning during a medical visit, even when a headache or dizziness seems like the main concern.
Contact a Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer at Desiah Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suspect a concussion, contact a healthcare provider as soon as you can. Explain how the accident happened and when each symptom began. Follow the clinician’s instructions for returning to work, driving, exercise, and other activities. Avoid another head injury during recovery, and seek further care if symptoms persist or worsen.
After addressing your medical needs, you may also have questions about the accident and its effect on your life. Desiah Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances, discuss the available evidence, and explain whether you may have a personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Shreveport personal injury lawyer.
Desiah Injury Lawyers – Shreveport Office
333 Texas St Suite Suite 1300, Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 252-3034
Desiah Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
201 St Charles Ave #2500, New Orleans, LA 70170
(504) 553 3047