Solano Group Warns Citizens about Concussions
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo brain injury lawyer. Recently, the Solano Coalition for Better Health, a private non-profit group that aims to help people in Solano County build “bolder, happier, and more productive communities,” recently warned locals about the dangers of an often overlooked injury, concussions.
What is a Concussion?
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow, jolt, or bump on the head or by an impact on the body that causes the head to rapidly move back and forth. The impact or sudden movement can cause the brain to twist around or bounce inside of the skull, which causes chemical changes in the brain and, at times, stretching and damaging of brain cells.
Are Concussions Serious?
While medical providers sometimes describe concussions as “mild” brain injuries because they aren’t typically life-threatening, concussions can have very serious effects. The symptoms associated with concussions include memory problems, drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, nausea, vomiting, issues with balance, and sensitivity to light and/or noise.
Additionally, not all concussions cause people to “black out,” or lose consciousness. Symptoms may not even show until hours, days, weeks, and possibly even months after the initial trauma is sustained.
Concussions and Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents, after falls and being struck in the head by objects, are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Closed head injuries, or injuries in which the skull is not fractured, are very common in vehicle accidents.
Because the impact of a collision can jolt vehicle passengers around with a lot of force, those involved in car accidents should seek medical attention in order to determine whether or not they have received a concussion. Leaving the injury unchecked and untreated has the potential to be dangerous.
Healing
Most people who receive concussion injuries fully recover, but the process does take time. The Solano Coalition for Better Health recommends that those with concussions rest often and limit activities that involve lots of physical effort. It’s also a good idea to limit activities that involve intense focus such as studying, playing video games, or working on the computer.
Taking part in strenuous activities can prevent concussions from healing properly and, in some cases, can worsen the symptoms. Returning to normal activities should be done slowly and with a doctor’s recommendation.
Avoiding Concussions
There are a few measures that one can take to avoid concussions. One important thing to do is to always properly wear a seatbelt when driving to avoid unnecessary shock in the event of a collision. Another important prevention method is to always use helmets when riding a bike or motorcycle in order to protect your head in the event of a collision.
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Vallejo Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo brain injury lawyer. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury in an accident, please call me at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice with no obligation. I am also available online at AutoAccident.com.
Residents of Vallejo with cases of wrongful death and personal injury have trusted my legal assistance since 1982.
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Go to my website, AutoAccident.com, in order to learn valuable information about personal injury law and vehicle accidents in Northern California.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, FMRI Brain Scan by DrOONeil. CC BY-SA 3.0
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