3 Grades of Concussions After a Car Accident

May 24, 2021

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that involves either a direct blow to the head or after a head jerk or whiplash-type injury that causes your head and brain to quickly shake back and forth. Since the brain is physically shaken and briefly moved out of its normal positioning, such movement can seriously affect the brain’s full and proper functioning.Fortunately, with proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, most people make a full recovery from a concussion. However, even after a serious motor vehicle accident, sometimes victims may not know they have a concussion, especially if it is low-grade. There are three different grades of concussions, ranging from mild to severe. Our California lawyers at Frish Law Group explain all three levels of concussion.

The Different Grades of Concussions

The following are the three different grades of concussion:

  • Grade 1 Concussion (Mild) – This type of concussion is considered low-grade. A person who suffers a Grade 1 concussion often returns to normal activities within a few days once he/she no longer experiences any symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, memory loss, attention difficulties, nausea, and dizziness. Grade 1 concussions involves no loss of consciousness and generally occurs in minor car accidents and while playing sports.
  • Grade 2 Concussion (Moderate) – This type of concussion is considered mid-grade. A person who suffers a Grade 2 concussion requires many days of rest prior to returning to normal activities, since such a concussion involve a brief loss of consciousness (between one minute and less than five minutes). Common symptoms include temporary amnesia, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and irritability.
  • Grade 3 Concussion (Severe) – This type of concussion is considered high-grade. A person who suffers a Grade 3 concussion is at risk of permanent brain damage—after losing consciousness for more than five minutes—and requires extensive treatment and rehabilitation until long-lasting symptoms improve and subside. Common symptoms include amnesia for over 24 hours, speech difficulties, seeing stars, and vomiting.

Additionally, the more times you suffer a concussion, the more likely you are to have long-term symptoms since your brain is unable to return to its normal functions. Since a concussion causes a temporary breakdown of tiny structures in and around your immune system—which prevents such cells to gain oxygen to power normal brain functioning—then multiple concussions result in a continuously lack of oxygen that limits the normal signaling your brain performs on a regular basis. The long-lasting effects of repeated concussions can result in headaches, blurry vision, ringing in ears, brain fog, memory loss, and personality changes.

Injured in an Accident? Get Started on Your Case Today!

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of TBI-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe symptoms, it is wise to have a health care provider determine the full extent of your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident contact Frish Law Group, APLC today at (818) 480-3885 for a free consultation and learn how our legal team can help you. Providing experienced and personalized legal services since 2008!

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