Head injuries always have the potential to be serious, even if there's no apparent wound (woond) or fracture. These so-called 'closed head' injuries can be extremely dangerous since the symptoms don't always appear at once. Even a mild closed-head injury, often called a concussion, can lead to devastating personal, emotional, and general health problems. Closed-head injuries can have many symptoms, such as a reduced ability to perform cognitive functions, forgetfulness, difficulty reading or watching television, disoriented or confusion, or a reduced capacity to exercise judgment or make decisions. Some brain injuries can result in sleeplessness, fatigue, headaches, speech problems, depression, or irritability. This behavior can seriously affect the patient's life at work and at home. Because such symptoms may appear gradually or be easily mistaken for other unrelated problems, it's important to be aware of the possible symptoms and to exercise vigilance. If you're involved in a traffic accident and receive a head injury, it's important to be examined immediately and thoroughly by a doctor, and possibly by a neurology specialist. There are neuropsychological tests specifically designed to reveal closed-head injuries. Even after a careful examination and release from hospital, if you experience any unusual behavior or symptoms immediately consult a doctor. For more information about your rights when injured in an accident, consult an attorney experienced with personal-injury law.
