Latest Blogs

In recent years, more light has been shed on the issue of head and brain injuries stemming from sports. The conversation was particularly re-ignited after the release of the movie Concussion.  While it is true that many people know about the possibilities of sustaining serious injuries while playing a sport, some may not appreciate the serious nature of those injuries, especially when the injury occurs to a player’s head and/or brain.

A Closer Look at Brain/Head Injuries

An important thing to keep in mind when discussing brain and head injuries is that concussions are, in fact, brain injuries. As a matter of fact, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) defines a concussion as a brain injury that is a “complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces.” Ultimately, a concussion can be caused by “a direct blow to the head, neck or face or a direct blow anywhere else on the body with an ‘impulsive force’ that’s transmitted to one’s head.”

If the individual who has sustained the concussion does not have a history of concussions, the concussion will generally resolve itself within two weeks. Still, it is important to know and recognize some of the signs and symptoms of concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Common Symptoms

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that there are a number of signs to look for when observing kids and teens after they’ve sustained a blow to the head or body. It is important to watch the injured individual for the following signs:

• A stunned or dazed appearance
• Slow responsiveness to questions
• Loss of consciousness (even if it’s only for a short period of time)
• Mood swings or changes in personality and/or behavior
• Inability to remember what happened before or after the fall or blow

Some head injury victims also report experiencing a nauseous feeling (or they may actually vomit), as well as headaches; balance issues accompanied by dizziness and/or blurry vision; sluggishness and confusion.

What Should Be Done After a Head/Brain Injury?

First and foremost, if you or someone you love has sustained a head injury, it is crucial for you to seek medical attention right away. According to the NIH, it is also important for the injured individual to stay still, ensuring that he or she is kept face up with the head and shoulders raised a bit. You should also apply firm pressure to any head wounds that are bleeding in order to stop the flow; however, be sure not to apply direct pressure if you think the skull may be fractured.

It is also important to monitor the individual’s breathing patterns and overall alertness. In general, approximately half of those who sustain severe head injuries ultimately need brain surgery to fix or eliminate the bruised brain tissue and/or ruptured vessels.

Regardless of whether the injured person is an adult or a child, head injuries of any kind can be devastating for everyone involved. If you or someone you love has sustained a head injury from sports or any other type of incident, do not hesitate to contact the Ft. Myers personal injury lawyers at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. right away for assistance.