Every traumatic brain injury (TBI) should be taken seriously. This includes injuries that people may believe are minor when they initially occur. It is important to talk to medical professionals to find out the true scope of that injury.
For example, a person may believe that they “just” have a concussion. Often, a mild concussion will heal on its own. The person may simply need rest to give the brain time to heal and recover.
However, if someone assumes that they have a concussion and they actually have a more serious injury, such as a subdural hematoma, it could be very dangerous for them to avoid getting medical attention. Left unchecked, a hematoma (bleeding within the tissues around the brain) can be fatal.
Why do people make this mistake?
In some cases, people make this mistake because the symptoms of a subdural hematoma get worse with time. This is because the bleeding puts pressure on the brain within the skull. It also means that certain parts of the brain may not be getting proper blood flow or oxygen.
Right after the injury happens, the bleeding has not had a chance to build up, so a person may just have minor symptoms that mimic a typical concussion. But over time, their symptoms could grow more serious, such as a migraine that will not go away, significant mental confusion, loss of physical motor skills or even a complete loss of consciousness.
As such, it is best to be proactive about seeking medical care to ensure that you understand the full scope of your injury. This care can be expensive, which is why it is also important to know how you can seek financial compensation when someone else was responsible for the initial TBI.