Lack of symptoms does not mean full recovery from a concussion

Many people believe that a concussion is healed once the dizziness and headaches disappear. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and, while the brain is recovering from the concussion, it is especially vulnerable to re-injury if a second collision or impact occurs. While most conversations about concussions revolve around sports, many New York residents also suffer concussions as a result of auto accidents.

Patients with a concussion may complain of headaches, confusion, dizziness, vomiting and loss of memory. These symptoms can last for a few days, a month or even longer. Once these symptoms disappear, it is often assumed that the brain has completely healed. However, recent studies have shown that months after the symptoms of a mild concussion disappear, the brain is still damaged and attempting to heal itself. Abnormalities related to the injury and healing process can be observed in the brain's gray matter through the use of diffusion tensor imaging scans.

During the period when symptoms disappear but the brain is still injured, the risk of re-injury to the brain is very high. Furthermore, the danger is increased because the damage caused by the second concussion will likely result in a more serious brain injury. For example, a recent medical study asserted that returning to activity before the brain was fully healed led to the deaths of a number of young football players.

Concussions resulting from an automobile accident puts victims at a similar risk of re-injury and may have long term effects. In some instances, the brain injury may never completely heal. Such injuries may result in lost wages and an inability to participate in daily activities. Individuals that experience any type of head trauma as a result of an automobile accident may benefit from consultation with an attorney who may be able to help the victim receive financial compensation for any physical or economic damage caused by the accident.