Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | March 3, 2025 | Personal Injury
Head injuries can be tricky. When a person suffers a concussion, such as after a car accident, the signs don’t always show up right away. That’s why it’s important to watch yourself or your loved one after suffering any kind of head trauma. Just because you feel fine at first doesn’t mean you’ll stay that way.
A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes a disruption to normal brain function. Some symptoms appear immediately, but often, a person won’t realize that something is wrong for hours, days, or even weeks. The delay can make it harder to connect your symptoms to the original injury, so many people don’t know there is a problem until it gets worse.
Can Concussion Symptoms be Delayed?
They certainly can be. Unlike injuries in other parts of the body, the brain doesn’t always instantly react to trauma. Swelling, chemical changes, and changes in brain activity can take time to develop, and people often don’t realize they’ve been hurt until later. This is particularly common after seemingly minor accidents like a slip and fall.
Unfortunately, any delay with a head injury can be dangerous. Without treatment, a concussion can lead to complications and an increased risk of further injury. That’s why it’s so crucial to recognize the warning signs, especially when they are delayed.
Signs of a Delayed Concussion
Symptoms vary from person to person, but some common delayed concussion symptoms can include:
- A persistent or worsening headache
- Feelings of unsteadiness days after the injury
- Forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and difficulties with following instructions
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Insomnia, excessive fatigue, or sleeping more
- Struggles with bright lights or loud sounds
- Nausea (can happen immediately, but delayed vomiting after concussion is also possible)
If any of these signs appear in the days after a head injury, get to a doctor as soon as possible.
Why do Symptoms Take Time to Show Up?
The brain is a complicated organ and scientists don’t fully understand it yet. For that reason, it doesn’t always respond in the way we expect it to. Several factors can affect the timing of concussion symptoms, such as:
- Brain swelling
- Disruption to neurotransmitters
- Adrenaline masking the pain
- Signs only showing up when a person tries to focus or work
Because concussions are so variable, it’s important not to dismiss a blow to the head just because you feel okay.
Can Concussion Symptoms Come and Go?
Absolutely. Some people feel fine in the morning but have trouble with headaches or feel dizzy later in the day. Others have good days and bad days. The fluctuation is common and can be incredibly frustrating.
Like any other injury, the brain needs time to heal after suffering trauma, and pushing through the symptoms can make things worse. Thus, the best thing you can do is let your mind rest and return to activity gradually in a way your doctor recommends.
When to See a Doctor
Every head injury should be taken seriously, but these particular signs mean a trip to the emergency room is in order:
- Severe headaches that won’t go away
- Constant vomiting
- Seizures
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (even if it’s only a few seconds)
If you don’t experience any of these, it’s still a good idea to have a doctor examine your injury and help you figure out a treatment plan. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term problems.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Just because someone feels fine after suffering a blow to the head, as they might after a bike accident, it doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in getting the proper care.
If any symptoms show up later than you expect them to, err on the side of caution and talk to a doctor. Your brain’s health is too important to risk ignoring a potentially major problem.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866