Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | January 3, 2025 | Brain Injury

Delayed Concussion Symptoms

A concussion is one of the most common forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most people associate it with immediate and obvious symptoms like headaches or dizziness, but delayed concussion symptoms can go unnoticed for hours or even days after the injury. 

Anyone who has suffered a head injury or is caring for someone who has should be able to recognize the signs of delayed symptoms.

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is a type of TBI that’s caused by a sudden jolt or a blow to the head that disrupts the brain’s normal function. While most concussions are considered mild, they can still lead to serious issues that impact daily life. Symptoms range from simple physical signs like headaches to severe cognitive problems with confusion and memory.

Can Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?

Yes, concussion symptoms can be delayed. This can make it tough to figure out just how bad the injury is. The delay usually happens because the brain’s response to trauma can take time to manifest.

As an example, swelling or chemical imbalances in the brain aren’t always immediately apparent. Additionally, some people don’t always connect the subtle changes in their mood, behavior, or physical health to a potential concussion.

Common Symptoms

While most people know the immediate symptoms of a concussion (loss of consciousness, severe headache, etc.), delayed signs can be more subtle and varied. 

Some of the most common ones include:

  • Headaches That Develop Hours Later: Range from mild to severe and might worsen with physical activity or exposure to bright lights
  • Cognitive Impairments: Forgetfulness, confusion, or trouble concentrating 
  • Mood Swings or Irritability: Emotional changes like feeling unusually anxious, sad, or quick to anger
  • Sleep Problems: Issues with falling asleep, staying asleep, or dealing with excessive fatigue
  • Delayed Vomiting After Concussion: Nausea and vomiting don’t always happen immediately but can surface later
  • Visual Changes: Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Increased sensitivity to environmental stimulation that develops over time
  • Balance and Coordination Issues: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance, especially in more severe cases

Some signs of a delayed concussion can indicate a more serious situation that could involve swelling or bleeding in the brain. 

Certain symptoms hint at the need for urgent medical care, such as:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Severe or worsening headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
  • Persistent confusion or inability to stay awake

If you or someone else shows any of these signs, get to an emergency room right away.

Why Are Symptoms Delayed?

The delay in symptoms has to do with the brain’s complicated response to trauma. After an injury, the brain could experience subtle inflammation, disruptions in neurotransmitter activity, or microscopic damage to cells that take time to appear as noticeable symptoms. 

Additionally, adrenaline and shock from the trauma can initially hide most symptoms, and they’ll only appear after the body starts to recover.

The person’s age, overall health, and the amount of force behind the impact can also affect how quickly (or slowly) the signs might become visible. Kids and older adults, for example, could be more prone to delayed symptoms because of their brains’ unique vulnerabilities.

Can Concussion Symptoms Come and Go?

Yes, concussion symptoms can come and go, and that can make them harder to recognize and deal with. For instance, a person might get headaches or feel dizzy on and off rather than constantly. Likewise, mood swings or trouble with concentration can vary depending on the person’s stress levels, whether they’re tired, or the environmental triggers around them.

It’s important to monitor these fluctuations if there’s any suspicion of a concussion and get checked out if the symptoms persist or get worse over time.

How To Manage Delayed Concussion Symptoms

Managing delayed symptoms starts with getting the right diagnosis. If you suspect a concussion, your doctor will likely do a physical exam, perform cognitive tests, or use imaging devices like a CT scan to figure out just how bad the injury is.

Always follow the advice of your doctor. Generally, though, they’ll often recommend:

  • Rest and Recovery: The brain needs to rest so it can heal, so void activities that could make the symptoms worse, such as strenuous exercise, screen time, or tasks requiring intense focus
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Pick back up on normal activities slowly and only with your doctor’s guidance; pushing too fast too soon can make your recovery take longer
  • Symptom Tracking: Keep a journal of any symptoms as well as their frequency and severity; this info can help your doctor figure out the best treatment
  • Follow Medical Advice: Stick to prescribed treatments, which could include medications for pain or therapies to address cognitive or emotional issues

If you’re dealing with signs of a delayed concussion — even if they seem minor — talk to a doctor. Early intervention can help prevent complications and get you started toward a full recovery.

Preventing Delayed Concussion Symptoms

You can’t always avoid a situation that could give you a concussion. 

However, as you go about your daily life, there are small things you can do to reduce your chances of being injured if something happens:

  • Wear Protective Gear: Use helmets and other safety equipment during sports or activities with a risk of head injury
  • Be Careful When Walking Around: Use handrails, avoid slick surfaces, and use proper lighting in your home
  • Drive Safely: Follow traffic laws and wear your seat belt
  • Education: Learn to recognize the importance of quick care for any head injury, no matter how minor it may seem

These precautions won’t eliminate all risks, but they can greatly lower the possibility of suffering head trauma in an accident.

The Importance Of Awareness

Recognizing the signs of a concussion, delayed or not, is critical for protecting your brain after an event such as a car accident. Delayed symptoms can be tough to spot, but knowing how they can affect you and acting quickly can make a major difference in the outcome of your recovery.

Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Martin County,  St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
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Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000

Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
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Port St Lucie, FL 34986
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Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
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Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
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