The Different Levels of Concussions

Many people are beginning to recognize the significance of concussions. These injuries may occur at three different levels based on the severity of the trauma.

Three Grades or Levels of Concussions

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, there are three different grades or levels of a concussion:

• Grade 1: The symptoms last less than 15 minutes, and there’s no loss of consciousness. Patients may be confused and suffer temporary cognitive impairment.
• Grade 2: The symptoms last more than 15 minutes, but the patient retains consciousness. Patients may also appear dazed afterwards, similar to a Grade 1 concussion.
• Grade 3: The patient loses consciousness for a few seconds or a few minutes. The patient may exhibit physical, cognitive, and behavioral disruptions as a result of the injury.

Some other common symptoms of concussions include:

• dizziness;
• clumsiness;
• slurred speech;
• nausea and vomiting;
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus);
• memory loss;
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• sensitivity to light/noise; and
• difficulty concentrating.

Doctors may treat concussions with a combination of rest and anti-inflammatory medication. If the patient returns to normal activity too soon and suffers another concussion, the risk of severe injuries, like brain damage and death, increase.

It’s important to get enough rest after a concussion and avoid certain activities until clearing all concussion stages (initial effects, recovery, etc.). A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and in certain cases, head injuries may be more severe.

More severe TBI symptoms include:

• changes in mood;
• depression;
• concentration issues; and
• language difficulty.

Doctors may treat more serious head injuries with mental health medication, language therapy and physical therapy depending on the effects of the injury.

How Concussions May Occur

Any serious trauma to the head can lead to a concussion. When a concussion occurs, the force may cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to bruising on the sides and bottom of the brain. The force can also damage blood vessels and nerves or disrupt the production of important chemicals in the brain.

Car, motorcycle and bicycle accidents in Denver can lead to concussions from either the occupant striking the dashboard or window, or being thrown from the vehicle. Premise liability cases, either from slip and falls or playground injuries, might involve concussions as well. The victim may fall on her head or bang her head on an object in these cases.

Obtaining Compensation for Concussion-related Damages

Treatment for concussions and TBI can quickly become very expensive, and often the patient has to take off work after the injury. If the injury resulted from a car accident, the victim can file a liability insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurer.

These claims can lead to a lawsuit if the victim receives inadequate compensation from the insurance company. If the injury resulted from a problem with a playground or another’s property, there may be claims against the property owner or its insurer for negligent maintenance of the premises.

It can be a challenge to navigate the legal and insurance rules surrounding these injuries. An attorney can help victims obtain fair compensation depending on their damages, which is often dependent on the level of concussion they suffered. The Law Office of D.J. Banovitz is prepared to advocate for concussion and TBI victims. Contact our office today by calling 303-300-5060 to discuss your injuries after a Denver-area accident.