Delayed Concussion Symptoms

March 6, 2023 | Personal Injury

Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Concussions are the most common of all traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They generally result from an impact involving sudden or intense head movements. Although these injuries may seem mild, they can have significant long-term and short-term health implications.

For some individuals, concussions don’t show symptoms for hours or even days. This is known as a delayed concussion. 

Many situations can increase the risk of concussion, such as car accidents, contact sports, falls, and work accidents. If you were involved in an accident and your head received a severe blow, knowing the signs and symptoms of a delayed concussion is critical.

Concussions Explained

Concussions occur when the head (and sometimes the body) sustains a blow strong enough that the brain shakes back and forth, leading to swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Any time the brain sustains these rapid movements, brain cells can become damaged.

Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Memory problems
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Light sensitivity
  • Noise sensitivity
  • Mood swings

Every TBI is unique in how it occurs and presents itself. There’s no unified way to deal with a concussion or similar injury. In most cases, you’ll need to watch out for symptoms and consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.

The Dangers of a Delayed Concussion

Whenever someone suffers a traumatic accident like a car crash or a severe sports injury, it’s common for stress and confusion to overshadow the physical and cognitive symptoms of a brain injury.

In many cases, personal injury victims may attribute their cognitive symptoms to the trauma they endured rather than a physical injury.

Due to rampant misinformation about concussions and the dangers of TBI, many of these injuries are ignored until the symptoms worsen. The consequences of neglecting a concussion can result in serious medical complications. 

As such, seeking medical attention immediately after any accident is wise, especially because concussion symptoms can take time to develop.

Delayed Concussions Explained

Delayed concussions occur whenever the symptoms of a TBI don’t immediately present themselves.

In most cases, these phenomena occur because inflammation and swelling in the brain can be slow. Similar to how bruises and other physical injuries often take time to develop, changes in the brain may take hours and even days. 

Some concussions can be delayed up to 48 hours. When symptoms finally present themselves, the swelling and pressure from inside the skull can interrupt blood and oxygen flow, causing symptoms like:

  • Amnesia
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Sleep difficulty
  • Speech problems
  • Seizures

Most delayed concussion symptoms are directly related to the brain’s slow response to inflammation.

Dangers of Ignoring a TBI

When left untreated or undiagnosed, a concussion can cause a blood clot called a hematoma. This happens when too much blood crowds the brain, eventually causing dangerous pressure against delicate tissue.

As such, many delayed concussion symptoms can be early indicators of a hematoma and should never be ignored. Other signs and symptoms associated with blood clots include:

  • Worsening headache 
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Going in and out of consciousness
  • Drowsiness

The brain is one of the most delicate parts of the body, and even a minor injury can result in severe problems and complications. 

Next Steps After a Brain Injury

You should seek immediate medical assistance if you believe you’ve suffered a TBI. There are many ways to diagnose a TBI, and a doctor can evaluate your symptoms to determine the best course of action.

If your concussion resulted from another party harming you, you need to act fast if you want to hold them accountable for their actions through a personal injury claim. Contact the attorneys at George Salinas Injury Lawyers if your injury took place in the state of Texas.

Contact The San Antonio Brain Injury Attorneys from George Salinas Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in a San Antonio, TX accident, please contact our San Antonio brain injury lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We serve Bexar County and all surrounding areas.

George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955,
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909
Available 24 hours!