Howard Coker | February 13, 2025 | Personal Injury
A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when a blow or jolt to the head or rapid movement causes minor brain damage. While some concussion symptoms appear immediately, others take time to develop. This delay can make it difficult to recognize the injury and get the right treatment.
Understanding delayed concussion symptoms is important, especially if you or a loved one has suffered a head injury. Here’s what you need to know according to our personal injury lawyers about why symptoms can be delayed, what signs to watch for, and how long concussion symptoms usually last.
Most Common Causes of Concussions
Concussions can happen in many ways. The most common causes of concussions are:
- Car accidents. A crash can cause direct impact to the head or cause damage when the brain strikes the inside of the skull.
- Falls. Falling from a height or a slip and fall can cause a serious head injury, especially among young children and older adults.
- Sports injuries. Injuries are especially common in contact sports such as football. Even non-contact sports, such as cycling, can lead to concussions in accidents.
- Workplace accidents. Construction workers, warehouse employees, and those in high-risk jobs are more likely to suffer head injuries.
- Being struck by an object. Falling objects or collisions with stationary objects can result in head injuries.
- Physical assault. Being punched, hit, or shaken violently can cause concussions.
Almost one-third of people experience a concussion at some point in their lives.
It’s important to understand that a concussion does not require a blow to the head. Rapid acceleration and deceleration can cause a mild brain injury by causing the brain to hit the inside of the skull.
Why Concussion Symptoms Can Be Delayed
After a head injury, it’s common to expect symptoms right away. However, many concussion symptoms don’t appear immediately. Several factors can contribute to this delay:
The Brain’s Chemical Response
A concussion triggers a series of chemical changes in the brain. These changes take time to develop and can lead to delayed symptoms.
Secondary Brain Injury
Even a mild concussion can cause microscopic brain damage. Swelling, inflammation, and disrupted brain function may worsen over time, leading to delayed symptoms.
Adrenaline and Shock
Immediately after an injury, the body releases adrenaline, which can mask pain and other symptoms. Once adrenaline levels drop, symptoms may become more noticeable.
Altered Awareness
Confusion and memory loss are common concussion symptoms. Sometimes, the altered awareness of a brain injury means the injury victim isn’t aware of their symptoms at first.
Age and Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Seniors and people with certain pre-existing health issues may have different or delayed symptom patterns. The way the brain processes injuries can vary depending on age and medical history.
Common Delayed Concussion Symptoms
Not all concussion symptoms show up right away. Some may take hours, days, or even weeks to appear.
Here are some of the most common delayed symptoms of a concussion:
- Headaches or migraines that worsen over time
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and sleep-related symptoms. You may experience fatigue, feeling groggy even after resting, or sleeping more or less than usual. You may experience insomnia and struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory problems, including difficulty remembering the accident
- Brain fog, including trouble concentrating or staying focused
- Emotional and behavioral symptoms. This includes irritability, mood swings, increased anxiety, depression, sudden outbursts, and feeling easily overwhelmed.
Delayed concussion symptoms can be dangerous, especially if the injured person continues daily activities, such as work, driving, or playing sports, without realizing they have a brain injury.
How Long Do Concussion Symptoms Last?
The recovery time for a concussion varies from person to person. Most mild concussion symptoms resolve within seven to 14 days, but for some, they can last longer.
Typical recovery timeline:
- First few days: Symptoms may be mild or not appear at all.
- First week: Symptoms typically peak.
- Two to four weeks: Most people recover fully with rest and proper care.
If symptoms persist for more than four weeks, it may indicate post-concussion syndrome (PCS). About one in ten people who experience a concussion develop PCS.
Many factors can affect recovery time:
- Age. Older adults and young children may take longer to heal.
- History of concussions. People with previous concussions may experience prolonged symptoms.
- The severity of the injury. A more severe concussion may take longer to heal.
- Mental health conditions. Anxiety, depression, and other conditions can impact recovery.
- Level of rest. Avoiding mental and physical exertion helps speed up recovery.
A concussion is not always an obvious injury. Delayed symptoms make it easy to overlook or underestimate the damage. If you have suffered a head injury, don’t wait for symptoms to appear or worsen. Seek medical attention right away.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help if You’re Dealing With Delayed Concussion Symptoms
If your concussion was caused by someone else’s misconduct or carelessness, you may have a claim for compensation. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident with a personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your legal options.