Battle Born Injury Lawyers | March 14, 2025 | Personal Injury
When you take a blow to the head, the outcome is unpredictable. Some people feel fine at first, but then they develop symptoms hours or days later. In some cases, the signs of a concussion don’t show up for weeks. That’s why it’s so important to pay close attention to any changes after, for example, a car accident, even if the initial impact seemed minor.
A concussion is considered the mildest form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it can still affect your brain’s ability to function. While some symptoms may appear right away, others might take a long time to show up. That delay can make it tough to know if a new issue is related to your head injury, and it puts you at risk of missing the signs of a more serious health condition.
Signs of a Delayed Concussion
Every concussion has different symptoms, and the timing of these symptoms varies from person to person.
Delayed signs of a concussion may include:
- Headaches that get worse over time
- Balance issues and dizziness
- Concentration and memory problems
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Disruption in sleeping patterns
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Vomiting and nausea
If you experience any of these after a brain injury, get to a doctor as soon as you can. Even mild concussions can lead to bigger problems if they’re left untreated.
Why Do Some Concussion Symptoms Take Longer To Appear?
Despite decades of research, scientists still don’t fully understand how the brain works. The brain responds to trauma a little differently from other parts of the body, and it reacts to injuries in unexpected ways.
Several factors can cause delays in symptoms, such as:
- Inflammation and swelling of the brain
- Disruption in the brain’s chemistry
- Surges in adrenaline that mask pain
- Cognitive strain over time that can trigger delayed symptoms
Because of this unpredictability, it’s possible to feel fine right after an accident. However, you can get a concussion in something as seemingly minor as a slip and fall, so it’s important to check with a medical provider any time you hit your head.
Can Concussion Symptoms Fluctuate?
They certainly can. Someone might feel fine in the morning, but after their brain works throughout the day, they feel dizzy and develop a headache in the evening. Other people have both good days and bad days.
Recovery is rarely predictable, although your doctor can offer a general idea of what to expect. Your brain needs time to heal, and symptoms may get worse if you try to do too much too soon. Pushing through the discomfort is never a good idea. It’s better to rest and follow your doctor’s recommendations for returning to your normal activities gradually.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Even if your concussion symptoms are mild, the following warning signs require emergency medical attention:
- Headaches that are severe or get worse
- Constant vomiting
- Loss of consciousness (even for just a few seconds)
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
Ignoring any of these concussion symptoms can lead to a medical emergency. A proper evaluation and the right treatment may protect your health.
Protect Your Health After a Head Injury
You might not know the full impact of a head injury immediately after an accident. Delayed concussion symptoms can pop up long after the initial trauma — sometimes weeks later.
That’s why it’s so important to stay aware and not let your guard down, even if you feel fine. When it comes to head trauma, early detection and treatment can make a world of difference in your recovery.
Contact the Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Las Vegas and you need legal assistance, contact our personal injury attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
Battle Born Injury Lawyers
400 S 4th St Suite 290,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 357-4868
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
10789 W Twain Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 570-9000
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Reno Office
675 W Moana Ln #206
Reno, NV 89509, USA
(775) 535-7768
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
8540 S Eastern Ave #200
Henderson, NV 89123
(702) 500-0287
