Almost 2 million people are rushed to emergency rooms every year because of head injuries. Examinations done by medical professionals reveal that most of these injuries result in concussions that affect the way a person processes and recalls information, as well as causing severe headaches. What most people want to really know is what actually happens to the brain after an injury, and this is best explained as a timeline of events.

As Injury Occurs

As the injuring event is taking place there will be a point when the skull impacts with a surface, and this causes the brain to impact the interior of the skull. This causes the brain to be bruised and develop small tears, which affects the way in which the brain functions. As the injury occurs there will often be one of a few events that will follow:

• Loss of Consciousness – Injuries that cause a concussion often leave a person unconscious for a period of time. The only beneficial aspect of losing consciousness is that it leaves little room for doubt as to whether a person needs to be taken to the emergency room.
• Severe Headache – Those who sustain a head injury may simply walk away and think everything is fine. The most prominent indicator of a brain injury in this instance is the development of severe headaches that weren’t common before the injuring event occurred.

Shortly after Injuring Event

Those who don’t show immediate signs of brain injury will often see a series symptoms appear, and some may be so subtle that they may be overlooked. These symptoms include:

• Recurring Headaches – As mentioned above, the onset of recurring and severe headaches is one of the most prevalent signs of brain injury. These headaches should not be ignored, and those who suffer from them should seek immediate medical attention.
• Fatigue – Those who sustain a brain injury may also find that their energy levels have dropped significantly since the injury took place. Fatigue is often expected due to the body undertaking the recovery process, but if this fatigue is persistent it could indicate more severe brain trauma.
• Concentration Problems – One part of the brain that is often affected during an injury is the portion that controls the ability to concentrate. Injured persons will often find themselves frustrated with trying to focus on a single task, and this can lead to difficulties with daily activities and poor work performance.

During Recovery

Most individuals who suffer from a brain injury will find that their symptoms disappear within six months of treatment. Approximately 20% of people who suffer brain injuries will face negative long-term effects, and these individuals should work with medical professionals to make sure further injury is avoided.

Getting Legal Help

Head injuries can be a very scary phenomenon. Besides the emotional trauma, the injured party may also need to worry about mounting medical bills and loss of income. One of the best ways to overcome this obstacle is to hire a personal injury attorney who can land you a settlement or win your case.

my brains – let me show you them by Liz Henry / CC BY-ND 2.0