A concussion is a brain injury caused by an impact to the head or by a forceful shake of the neck and skull. Concussions can range from mild to severe. They are frequently-reported personal injuries in car accidents and slip and fall cases. If you have any symptoms of a concussion after an accident, it's important to see a doctor right away. If the accident was not your fault, contact a personal injury attorney as well. To help you recognize the symptoms, three common concussion signs are discussed here.

How to Tell if You Have a Concussion

1. Headache

A concussion headache is usually intense. It may feel like a more severe version of a tension headache, or it might have a pressure-like quality as if a clamp is tightening around the skull or a balloon is inflating inside it. There may also be pain around or behind the eyes and temples. These headaches might not respond to typical remedies like over-the-counter pain relievers, and they could worsen with exercise or even with concentration or increased cognitive function.

2. Confusion, Memory Loss or Both

A concussion can slow cognitive functioning. There may be confusion, memory loss, or an unshakable feeling of haziness or fogginess. You may need to take more time than usual answering simple questions or completing basic tasks and loved ones will often notice a slowdown in your movements or response times. Personal injury attorneys sometimes note that clients have fuzzy recollections of the accident and what transpired. These symptoms can last days, weeks, or even longer.

3. Visual Disturbances

The visual disturbances from a concussion can take several different forms, including blurriness, double vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty focusing and reading, and less-acute peripheral vision. A concussion can affect how the brain and eyes communicate with one another, which is the reason for these visual changes. In some cases, the accident may have damaged the optic nerve itself. Visual disturbances are also a sign of traumatic brain injury, so never ignore any changes to your regular vision after an accident.

If any of the above signs emerge after an accident, see a doctor. Document your symptoms as much as possible and describe them in detail to the doctor and your personal injury attorney. The Law Offices of Alan M. Laskin are here to help with the legal aspects of your injury. Since 1990, they have been serving the Sacramento and Monterey County, CA, region. They offer representation in all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims. Call (916) 689-0700 or visit them online to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney today.