Can I Get a Concussion Without Hitting My Head?

Gregg Hollander | June 7, 2022 | Personal Injury

Most people know that a concussion usually occurs after a head injury. What many people don’t realize is that hitting your head isn’t the only way to end up with a concussion. 

A concussion impacts each person differently. Knowing the signs of a concussion can help you or a loved one get medical attention before the condition worsens. Here’s what you need to know about concussions — including how you can get one even when you haven’t bumped your head. 

What Is a Concussion?

The word “concussion” usually conjures images of the most common concussion symptoms — dizziness, disorientation, and confusion. 

However, a concussion is more serious than feeling out of it for a few days. In fact, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

There are three main types of TBI: mild, moderate, and severe. A concussion is categorized as a mild traumatic brain injury. This type of TBI is identified as mild specifically because a person is expected to make a complete recovery after this sort of injury. 

However, it’s always possible for complications to arise after a concussion. Furthermore, even an injury categorized as “mild” can incur medical bills and lost wages that make a serious financial impact. 

What Are Common Causes and Signs of a Concussion?

Concussions most often happen after a blow to the head. 

The most common causes of concussion include: 

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion and seek medical attention as soon as they occur. 

Signs that indicate a concussion include: 

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Amnesia
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears

Some individuals are at greater risk of experiencing a concussion. 

Young children and elderly individuals are more prone to falling, and athletes who play contact sports regularly collide with other players and the ground. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications are at greater risk of brain bleeding after an injury causes a concussion. 

How Can You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?

It’s fully possible to end up with a concussion, even if you haven’t hit your head. 

A concussion is caused by impact. Sometimes, such as during a car accident, a person can be violently jolted, but their head doesn’t make an impact with anything external. In these cases, a concussion can be caused by the force of the brain hitting the inside of the skull. 

This understanding is important information, as many individuals don’t realize that a concussion can happen even without your head hitting something. Concussions can also result in a range of serious complications, including post-traumatic vertigo and post-concussive symptoms. 

Studies have shown that damaged brain tissue caused by a concussion is visible decades after the injury using medical imaging machinery. You never know what the long-term effects of a brain injury can be. Whenever a person experiences concussion symptoms, it’s best to be checked immediately by a medical professional. 

How Do You Get Compensation After a Concussion?

Treatment for a concussion can leave you with large medical bills. Depending on the extent of the injury, you may also lose wages and suffer other financial consequences as you take the time needed to heal.

It’s also possible for a person to experience long-term negative consequences regarding cognitive functions like concentration, memory, and recall. These consequences can take a further toll on education, employment, and quality of life. 

You can receive financial relief from the burden that a concussion puts on you and your family. A personal injury attorney can assess the circumstances of your accident, identify responsible parties, and build a case for compensation. 

Seeking legal and medical advice after a concussion is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in South Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873