Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Gregg Hollander | November 23, 2021 | Personal Injury

A concussion is an injury to the head and brain. While it is technically listed as a mild traumatic brain injury, concussions can cause severe, long-lasting damage. 

Brain injuries happen most often due to impacts to the head. Some injuries occur while playing sports, after taking a hard fall, or due to unsafe conditions at a worksite.

Concussions can also be caused by violent shaking of the upper body and head, which is common in car accidents. 

But can concussion symptoms be delayed? Learn more in this short guide to delayed concussion symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

The symptoms of a concussion are not always immediately apparent. Some symptoms last for a brief period of time, while others linger for weeks. 

Some of the more obvious signs of a concussion are a headache and loss of consciousness. Sometimes, a victim may temporarily forget the event that caused the injury. 

Other common symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Seeing flashes of light
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Becoming overly tired
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Being slow to respond to questions

Not all of these symptoms happen to each person, however. And surprisingly, some symptoms may take a little while to appear.

Can the Symptoms of a Concussion Be Delayed?

Many of the symptoms of a concussion do not show up immediately. They may arise hours or days after the incident that caused the injury. 

Some of these delayed symptoms can include:

  • Problems with memory
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Becoming sensitive to light or noise
  • Changes in taste and smell
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression

When a concussion is severe, the delayed symptoms can include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Persistent nausea
  • A worsening headache
  • Nose or ear bleeds
  • Weakness in the arms and legs
  • Being confused or disoriented
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Seizures

Any of these symptoms are cause to go to the emergency room immediately. Also, if symptoms worsen over time, you may need to be seen by a doctor. 

There are several problems that are related to having a concussion. One of the most important is that victims who have faced a concussion once have a higher risk of getting another concussion. This is especially true if they reinjure their head before they’ve fully recovered from the first injury.

Another risk is known as post-concussion syndrome. When this occurs, the symptoms of a concussion linger on for much longer than expected. 

Patients may suffer from one or more of the symptoms noted above, including cognitive delays, headaches, and dizziness. Most people recover from a concussion fully within three months. Those with lingering symptoms from post-concussion syndrome may struggle with the same side effects for a full year.

Collecting Compensation for a Delayed Concussion

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. In the state of Florida, car accident victims can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for compensation when an injury is severe or long-lasting. 

There is a time limit for you to file a case to collect damages, however. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations. In Florida, that time limit for a personal injury is four years. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, at work, or in a slip and fall accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the full damages you’re owed.

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