According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor-vehicle collisions are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations and deaths in our country. Concussions are the most common and least severe kind of TBI, and Business Insider reports that approximately 25 percent of Americans have sustained at least one at some point.

Concussions typically develop following a direct blow to the head and arise as a result of the impact jolting the brain against the skull. Although some people might pass out when they get a concussion, you can still remain fully aware after sustaining one.

Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe and include poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, nausea and vomiting, balance issues, and anxiety. Concussions may be the least serious kind of TBI, but it is important to remember that with each subsequent head injury, the brain becomes more susceptible to future damage.

If you sustained a head injury in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to find out how to proceed with your claim. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free case evaluation with a head injury lawyer in Albuquerque.

How Do You Treat a Concussion Following a Car Accident?

There are different grades of concussions, and the severity of the concussion will ultimately determine the extent of the treatment. For example, grade 1 concussions are considered mild and are characterized by symptoms that do not last longer than 15 minutes.

People who have suffered a grade 1 concussion do not lose consciousness, and they typically do not require immediate medical care. If you think you have suffered a grade 1 concussion, though, it is still worth visiting your doctor for a thorough health assessment.

A grade 2 concussion is considered moderate with no loss of consciousness and is characterized by symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes. If you sustained a grade 2 concussion, your doctor may want you to stay in the hospital for observation until your symptoms subside. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best way to treat such a concussion is rest and relaxation.

A concussion following a loss of consciousness falls under the grade 3 category. If you lose consciousness following a collision, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor will want to assess the severity of your head injury and observe your symptoms. This might include testing your reflexes and coordination and ordering an MRI or CT scan to check for bleeding or other internal injury.

Your doctor may prescribe aspirin and advise you to take it easy if you are not going to be hospitalized. You will also have to take precautions to avoid sustaining another concussion, especially while you are still recovering from the current one.

If you were hurt in a car accident with a reckless or negligent driver, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC for compassionate legal representation. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free consultation with a head injury attorney in Albuquerque. You can learn more about car accident claims in New Mexico by visiting the USAttorneys website.