People have a way of underestimating a mild concussion, thinking it is an injury you can put behind you in a few days and not give a second thought to. But the reality is not so simple. What may seem like a minor issue can become a heavy medical and financial burden, with some of the fallout lasting for months on end.
Mild Concussions Can Lead to Long-Term Medical Problems
You see them all the time, whether from a tumble on the job or in a car accident, not to mention in sports. The trouble is you don’t necessarily register the true scope of your injuries in the moment. So it is easy to fail to see how much harm was done until it is too late.
Delayed Symptoms
That is the rub with a concussion: your body does not necessarily let on straight off that there is a problem. You can be in the aftermath of an accident feeling perfectly fine, then later be left to contend with dizziness, headaches, or trouble seeing clearly.
Other signs include:
- Fatigue
- Memory lapses
- An inability to focus
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Since these things do not show up on the spot, some will put off treatment or go back to their routine prematurely.
The Cost of Treatment
Even a case you would call mild can mean you are looking at ongoing care. Between trips to the ER, doctor’s offices, and the cost of prescriptions, brain scans, or physical and cognitive therapy, expenses mount up. If you are symptomatic for a few months, the bill can be steep, and even with insurance there are out-of-pocket costs to contend with.
Financial Strain from Time Off Work
To put yourself right, you will have to step away from the office for a while. It is hard enough to get through a day when you are being worn down by headaches and fatigue or can’t seem to concentrate on anything. More often than not, that means you are foregoing overtime or taking some unpaid time off because you just can’t do the work. Then factor in the cost of the medical bills, and you will begin to feel the toll it takes on your family’s finances.
The Impact on Daily Life
There is more to it than just what you can put down on the table. If your symptoms don’t go away, you will have trouble driving in a way that feels safe or getting on with things around the house and the pastimes you are used to. It is a confidence sapper and can put a strain on your relationships too.
Keep Your Records
Make sure you have your documentation in order. If the need arises to put in an insurance claim or deal with a legal issue, your medical records are what will tell the story: when the trouble started, how you were treated and for how much, and the way the injury has gotten in the way of your life.
Your Legal Rights
If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you are entitled to look into compensation for the pain and suffering, the wages you have lost, and any future medical care. For those dealing with the long-term aftereffects of a concussion, a California Brain Injury Lawyer can advise you on what is available.
You would be wise not to dismiss a mild concussion so readily. A matter that seems minor at first can become more of a drawn-out affair. Make sure you put in the time for proper care and know your rights from the start; there is no better way to safeguard your health as well as your finances.
