Five Myths About Concussions

Myth 1: You Have To Lose Consciousness To Have a Concussion

This myth is dangerous, because it could keep people who have concussions from receiving the medical care they need after a concussion. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that only around 10% of concussions involve the loss of consciousness.

Myth 2: You Have To Hit Your Head To Get a Concussion

Concussions can happen in conjunction with whiplash in a car accident. The violent shaking of your head back and forth can cause a concussion and a coup-contrecoup injury, when the brain impacts the other side of the skull from the first contact. If you received a concussion in a car accident, speak to a Philadelphia PA personal injury lawyer from the Wieand Law Firm about pursuing a personal injury claim against the other driver.

Myth 3: A Person With a Concussion Must Be Taken to the Emergency Room

You only need to go to the emergency room with a concussion if you’re showing major symptoms, which include:

• Loss of consciousness 
• Unusual behavior, including increased confusion, restlessness or agitation
• Seizures
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Drowsiness or inability to wake up
• Prolonged confusion or amnesia
• Neck pain
• One pupil larger than the other
• Have had a multiple concussions in the past
• Convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching)
• A headache that gets worse and won’t go away
• Slurred speech, weakness, numbness or decreased coordination

Myth 4: You Have To Keep Someone With a Concussion Awake

Sleep is crucial in recovering from a concussion. This myth arose because people felt the need to check on the concussion victim every hour or two for changes in their health, particularly looking for the symptoms listed above. This is why you should see a doctor if you suspect you have a concussion, so the doctor can rule out anything more serious going on. If your concussion was caused by a slip and fall, reach out to a Philadelphia PA personal injury lawyer from Wieand Law Firm to discuss a personal injury claim.

Myth 5: All Concussions Are the Same for Everyone

Every brain is different, so every concussion is, too. Even if the same person sustains a second concussion at some point in her life, it will likely be from different circumstances, which also makes a difference. If you believe your concussion was the result of someone’s negligence, such as medical malpractice, contact a Philadelphia PA personal injury lawyer for help. 

Have You Been Injured?

If you or a family member has been the victim of an accident causing a brain injury, contact Wieand Law Firm to speak with one of our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers to find out what type of legal options you may have for the damages your injuries have caused.