What Are the Most Common Causes of a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. During a concussion, the brain can shake within the skull, leading to potential damage. Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but they can cause serious symptoms that require medical attention.

Concussions can damage brain cells, leading to temporary or permanent damage. They can also cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. Additionally, impacts can damage brain tissue, leading to complications like swelling and bleeding. It is important to recognize and properly treat concussions to prevent further injury.

Introduction to Concussions

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is subjected to a sudden impact or force, causing it to move back and forth inside the skull. This can lead to a temporary loss of brain function, resulting in a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Concussions can occur in anyone, regardless of age or activity level, and are often caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or a car accident. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and seek medical attention immediately to prevent further injury and ensure proper treatment.

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is a relatively common injury in the US and the most common type of brain injury. Concussion is the term physicians use to describe a mild traumatic brain injury, typically arising from a bump or blow to the skull. A concussion could also occur from violent movement or shaking that causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Despite being classified as a mild TBI, a concussion could have serious and long-lasting effects on a patient. Most concussions are preventable and arise from negligence-related accidents.

Falls and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Falls are the number one cause of concussions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls send millions of people to the hospital with serious injuries each year. 

They account for almost half (48%) of all emergency department visits for brain injuries. A fall could lead to a TBI, such as a concussion, if the victim strikes his or her head. Falls can injure blood vessels in the brain, leading to complications like swelling and bruising. Falling and hitting one’s head on an object, the ground, or the floor could jolt the head hard enough to injure the brain. Falls can also affect brain functions, impacting cognitive abilities and reaction time. The elderly are most likely to sustain concussions from falls. Adults 65 years old and older account for 81% of all TBI-related hospital visits in the US.

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBI-related hospital visits. A car accident could cause a brain injury if the victim’s head strikes the window, windshield, steering column, or other elements within the vehicle during the crash. Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain within the skull, helping to absorb impacts from such collisions. Motorcycle and bicycle riders are even more at risk of concussions in traffic accidents than people in passenger vehicles. Spinal fluid helps prevent the brain from directly hitting the skull, thereby playing a critical role in protecting against direct impacts during a crash. The accident could eject the rider from the vehicle and cause his or her head to strike the pavement. Even with a helmet, the impact could be hard enough to injure the brain.

Flying/Falling Objects

Another common cause of concussions is an object striking a victim’s head. Objects falling from shelves or scaffolds can cause struck-by injuries such as concussions. These incidents are especially common in the construction industry, where they accounted for 11.1% of deaths in 2018. Explosions and blasts can also cause TBIs and concussions through shrapnel flying and striking victims. Additionally, blast injuries can result in concussions due to the rapid acceleration-deceleration of the head in high-impact scenarios. Fallen object injuries are often preventable with the proper securement of tools and materials, as well as worker head protection.

Sports Incidents and Concussion Symptoms

Thousands of concussions, including many concussions in children under 18, stem from sports-related incidents annually. A significant percentage of college football players have experienced concussions, highlighting the increased risk of sustaining brain injuries in this demographic. The high incidence of concussions in contact sports underscores the importance of understanding the risks involved. Flying balls, pucks or other sports equipment during a game or practice could strike players or spectators, causing head injuries. Other sports-related concussions arise from player-to-player contact, such as tackles in football. While sports safety equipment, such as helmets, may be able to help prevent head injuries, they are not a guarantee.

Acts of Violence and Head Injuries

Negligence is not always what causes concussions. Some concussions stem from intentional acts of harm, such as crimes. A concussion could result from a physical assault against the victim, such as a fistfight, gunshot wound or stabbing. Physical assaults can impact the head, skull, and brain enough to cause a serious brain injury. These incidents can lead to serious injury, including severe traumatic brain injuries, which require urgent medical care. Some of these injuries may be more severe than a concussion, such as a penetrating brain injury. Severe traumatic brain injuries can have long-term effects, potentially increasing the risk of developing degenerative brain diseases.

Recognizing Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent. Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Cognitive symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and slowed reaction time. Emotional symptoms can include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, symptoms may worsen over time, or new symptoms may appear, such as sensitivity to light, blurry vision, or slurred speech. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after a head injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention.

Diagnosing and Treating Concussions

Diagnosing a concussion typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and a series of tests to assess cognitive function, balance, and coordination. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be used to rule out other serious brain injuries, such as a skull fracture or brain swelling. Treatment for a concussion usually involves rest, both physical and mental, and avoiding activities that may exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, prescription medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as headaches or sleep disturbances. It is essential to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional and not return to physical activity or contact sports until symptoms have resolved and clearance has been given.

Preventing Concussions

Preventing concussions requires a combination of common sense, safety precautions, and awareness of the risks associated with certain activities. Wearing protective gear, such as helmets and mouthguards, can help reduce the risk of head injury in contact sports. Installing window guards and using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs can help prevent falls in young children and older adults. Avoiding distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone, and never drinking and driving, can also help reduce the risk of car accidents and subsequent head injuries. Additionally, exercising regularly and maintaining good physical health can help reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.

Understanding Concussion Complications

Concussions can have serious complications, especially if not properly treated or if an individual experiences repeated concussions. Post-concussive syndrome (PCS) is a condition where symptoms of a concussion persist for an extended period, often months or even years. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that can occur in individuals who have experienced multiple concussions or other head injuries. Second impact syndrome (SIS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when an individual experiences a second concussion before fully recovering from the first. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen or if an individual experiences a second concussion. By understanding the potential complications of concussions, individuals can take steps to prevent further injury and ensure proper treatment.

Compensation for Concussions in Nebraska

If you or a loved one has a concussion in Omaha, Nebraska, a brain injury attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation from the correct defendant. A team physician plays a crucial role in managing concussions, overseeing recovery protocols, and ensuring player safety. A driver, sports coach, property owner, product manufacturer, or another party could owe you compensation for causing your TBI. You might be eligible for financial recovery for losses such as pain and suffering, a disability, lost wages, and medical bills if your lawyer can prove the defendant caused your concussion through an act of negligence or recklessness. A lawyer in Omaha can help you understand your rights and offer tailored legal advice. Call (402) 431-9000 or fill out a contact form today.