Delayed Symptoms of Concussion After Head Trauma - Neurosurgery

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Head injury with concussion?


Hello Dr.
Ding: My nephew was involved in a rear-end collision while driving without maintaining a safe distance.
After police intervention, neither party required medical attention at the scene.
About 6 to 7 days later, the other party called to report experiencing symptoms of a concussion and sought treatment at a major hospital.
The diagnosis stated that there was a head injury accompanied by a concussion, and due to severe concussion symptoms, they were advised to rest for three days and follow up in an outpatient setting.
Additionally, a diagnosis from a traditional Chinese medicine clinic noted post-concussion syndrome from the car accident.
Since the other party is claiming damages amounting to four million, I would like to understand whether concussion symptoms can manifest 6 to 7 days after a head impact.
Are the symptoms described considered to fall within the range of severe concussion?

cat5858, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/04/23

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery


Due to the lack of direct examination, this response is based solely on experience.
A concussion is the mildest form of head injury.
According to Wikipedia, "A concussion is a common and relatively mild brain injury that occurs when a person experiences a sudden impact or jolt to the head, resulting in a syndrome characterized by temporary loss of consciousness, followed by symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, without any neurological deficits." Generally, if a person loses consciousness for more than ten minutes, they will typically regain full consciousness within 24 hours.
Therefore, if there was no loss of consciousness at the time of the injury, a concussion would not be present.
Additionally, there is a possibility of delayed bleeding after an injury that could lead to symptoms, and cervical spine injuries may also manifest days after the initial trauma.
Many injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
It is common for individuals to experience noticeable symptoms 3 to 5 days after an injury.
Thus, there is no distinction between severe and mild concussions.

Reply Date: 2013/04/23

More Info


Understanding delayed symptoms of concussion after head trauma is crucial, especially in the context of car accidents where the impact can lead to a variety of neurological issues. In your case, the situation involves a rear-end collision where the other party has reported experiencing symptoms of a concussion several days post-accident.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur when the head experiences a sudden impact or jolt. Symptoms of a concussion can vary widely and may not always be immediately apparent. While many individuals exhibit symptoms right after the injury, it is not uncommon for symptoms to develop or become more pronounced days later. This phenomenon is often referred to as "delayed onset" symptoms.

The symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise. In some cases, individuals may also experience emotional changes, such as irritability or anxiety. The fact that the other party reported symptoms such as severe headaches and confusion days after the accident suggests that they may be experiencing delayed symptoms of a concussion.

Regarding the severity of the concussion, it is essential to consider the clinical evaluation performed by medical professionals. The diagnosis of a concussion is typically based on a combination of the patient's history, reported symptoms, and neurological examination. If the medical evaluation indicated that the individual was experiencing severe symptoms, it would likely fall within the category of a significant concussion. The recommendation for rest and follow-up care is standard practice for managing concussions, particularly when symptoms are severe.

In terms of liability and compensation, the delayed onset of symptoms can complicate matters. Insurance companies and legal entities often require clear documentation of the injury and its effects. If the symptoms are well-documented and correlate with the accident, it strengthens the case for compensation. However, the timeline of symptom onset can be a point of contention, as some may argue that the symptoms could be attributed to other factors unrelated to the accident.

It is also important to note that while most individuals recover from concussions, some may experience prolonged symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome. This condition can lead to ongoing issues such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, and emotional disturbances that can last for weeks or even months after the initial injury.

In conclusion, it is entirely plausible for concussion symptoms to manifest several days after a head injury, particularly in the context of a car accident. The severity of the symptoms reported by the other party, along with the medical recommendations for rest and follow-up, suggest that they are experiencing significant effects from the concussion. If you are involved in discussions regarding compensation, it would be prudent to gather all medical documentation and consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in personal injury cases to navigate the complexities of such claims effectively.

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