Head injury should never be taken lightly. No matter what you feel the severity might be, it should never be underestimated. Just because it can be “an invisible injury” doesn’t mean it can’t have devastating effects. There can be serious risks from leaving a concussion untreated. 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and if left neglected, it can have severe, long-lasting complications. Concussion treatment center Cognitive FX says as many as 50% of concussions are not detected or reported. This number is unacceptable.

The first signs of concussion include:

  • Headache, head pain or “pressure” in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or blurred vision
  • Groggy, “sluggish” feeling or sleepiness
  • Memory problems/confusion

However, many people who suffer a concussion go on to develop a debilitating condition known as ‘post-concussion syndrome’. This is not to be taken lightly. 

“In some cases,” says Mr. Brian A. Horowitz of Horowitz Injury Law, “this is a long-standing condition with many of the concussion symptoms doctors normally expect to resolve within a matter of days or weeks.  These patients require ongoing treatment and their quality of life is dramatically affected by their symptoms.

“Most people don’t realize how impaired they are until they try to resume their normal daily activities, including work.” 

How an untreated concussion can affect your daily life

Through their research, and consultations with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the Mayo Clinic and other concussion health groups, Cognitive FX has helped identify five risks of leaving a concussion untreated. All of these will affect the victim’s day-to-day lives. 

1. Changes in personality

Concussions can cause damage in the connections between the limbic system and the cerebral cortex. This can lead to a change in emotions and behaviours. In turn, these psychological changes may put stress on relationships with family, friends and co-workers. 

2. Dizziness and balance problems

Damage to the brain’s vestibular system affects our vision, inner ears and proprioceptive receptors which control our sense of body positioning. This can affect any number of daily activities around the home, everything from changing a lightbulb to showering. It can also have a drastic effect on hobbies or athletic movements.

3. Memory problems

Short-term memory is often affected by a concussion. Forgetting appointments, directions, or conversations can be common. This naturally has an impact on all sorts of daily functioning, including disrupting one’s work performance.

4. Sensitivity to light or noise

These issues can lead to problems driving at night due to sensitivity to oncoming headlights, and can also lead to headaches and eye pain. Discomfort with loud noises and other noise sensitivity often comes hand-in-hand with light sensitivity.

5. Absence or reduction in taste and smell

Not to be confused with the coronavirus-induced loss of taste and smell, this symptom of an untreated concussion is due to one of many areas of the brain that, when damaged, can impact smell, and thus have an impact on taste as well. 

Get concussion symptoms checked out immediately

“The message here is anyone diagnosed with a concussion should not automatically assume their symptoms will resolve within days,” advises Mr. Horowitz. “A cautious approach should always be followed”.

If you feel that there’s any possibility you might have suffered a concussion, please see a doctor asap. If you believe the incident might have been the result of negligence, contact Horowitz Injury Law for a free consultation. We have 35 years of experience dealing with head trauma cases, and we’ll ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 416-925-4100.