The Long-Term Effects of an Untreated Head Injury

Head injuries may be mild, moderate, or severe. However, due to their nature, every head injury has the potential to be serious. 

During a head injury, the body is whipped or shaken causing the soft tissue of the brain to come into contact with the inside of the hard skull. The resulting contact can cause internal injuries not readily apparent to the victim or onlookers.

Seeking immediate medical attention for unseen brain damage can reduce a victim’s risk of long-term brain injury symptoms or the potential for developing a degenerative brain condition.

Common Causes of Head Injuries

Head injuries can occur in a variety of ways. These include but are not limited to:

• Sporting events and practices
• Automobile accidents
• Falls from heights 
• Any other time the head is shaken or whipped back and forth

It is not necessary for a victim to lose consciousness to suffer a head injury.

Long-Term Symptoms of Head Injuries 

The most cited head injury is a concussion. Concussions are usually mild, and their symptoms appear within the first ten days of injury. 

Concussions typically clear up in three months, but concussion victims may continue to experience symptoms. This is called a post-concussive syndrome.

Symptoms of post-concussive syndrome may include the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Tinnitus
• Vision problems
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Regardless of their severity, all concussions are traumatic brain injuries and need thorough examination by a medical professional. Victims of head injuries who complete treatment and are still experiencing symptoms should follow up with their doctor to prevent more serious issues in the future.

Serious Consequences of Long-Term Head-Injuries

Seeking medical help after a head injury reduces the risk of more serious, long-term consequences. Victims of head injuries, especially those who do not lose consciousness, may not think they need medical care. 

However, left untreated, a head injury could lead to any of the following:  

• Irreversible brain damage from brain swelling and failure to relieve pressure within the skull
• Headaches and migraines that may increase with severity over time
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Depression and anxiety
• Aggression and personality changes
• Sleep disturbances
• An increased risk of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Difficulty communicating and reasoning 
• Death due to medical complications and infections

If you or your loved one suffered a head injury, do not wait to get help. Have your injury examined right away and follow any care instructions provided by your health professional.

Contact an Experienced New Haven Personal Injury Attorney Today

Head injuries are extremely hard to manage physically, emotionally, and financially. If your head injuries were the result of another person’s or company’s negligence, Weber & Rubano may be able to help recover compensation for your losses.

At Weber & Rubano, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience building and successfully settling injury claims and are unafraid to pursue courtroom litigation.

Reach out to Weber & Rubano to discuss your situation and learn more about personal injuries in New Haven. Your initial consultation is risk-free so call today.