Should I See a Doctor After a Head Injury?

It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a head injury. This is especially true if you notice symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, faintness, headache, or nausea.

A concussion is always cause for concern

While the brain is truly remarkable, it’s also exceedingly fragile. Any number of things can cause injury to its tissues. One of the most common threats to brain health is a concussion. It is a type of trauma in which the brain is jostled back and forth within the skull, causing it to bruise and swell. Common symptoms include:

Troubles with dizziness or maintaining one’s balance: This is why the accident victim should remain as still as possible until help arrives.
Nausea and vomiting: Often caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, a common consequence of a concussion.
Feeling faint or drowsy: The brain regulates our levels of awareness throughout the day, even when we’re asleep. A concussion can inhibit its ability to perform this vital task.
Confusion or trouble forming thoughts: These symptoms may indicate damage to the brain’s higher functions.
Difficulty moving one’s limbs or making facial gestures: Often, this symptom indicates damage to the patient’s brain or spine.

Most concussions are treatable with prompt care. However, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause serious health consequences.

Common causes of concussions

Most concussions are traceable to one or more of the following causes:

A sports-related injury: This is particularly likely in contact sports such as football, boxing, wrestling, or certain forms of martial arts training. It’s important to follow established safety precautions when engaging in these types of activities.
A work-related accident: Any vocational injury which involves trauma to the head or neck can trigger a concussion. This problem is most common in professions, such as construction and manufacturing.
Automotive accidents: Even a low-speed car collision can put vehicle occupants at risk of suffering a concussion or other form of head or neck injury.
Slip and fall accidents: These mishaps occur all too often in our society, frequently as a result of negligence on the part of business or property owners.

First aid for a concussion

Sometimes it’s simply not possible to see a doctor right away after a head injury. Here are some expert-recommended first-aid steps to help in the meantime:

Prevent unnecessary head movement: Especially if you suspect damage to the victim’s neck or spine.
Gently apply ice or another cold source to the site of the injury: Remember to never apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth instead. If you have no ice, then something as simple as a package of frozen vegetables can suffice for the time being.
Consider offering the victim an over-the-counter pain reliever: But avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase risks of bleeding. Also, you should make sure the victim has no allergies to the medication.
Monitor the victim’s cognitive functions: For example, you can ask them to repeat their name, their birth date, or their geographical location. Report any signs of confusion or amnesia to the healthcare provider.

Schedule a free consultation today

Head injuries can be devastating financially. Medical bills, lost wages, and the expenses related to routine care can take a considerable chunk out of the victim’s budget.

It’s at times like these that a New York personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the world. That’s where the Douglas & London law firm comes into the picture. Our skilled attorneys have recovered more than $18 billion for their clients over the years, a figure which can’t help but inspire trust.

Get in touch with our office today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. A member of our staff is available 24/7 for your convenience.