doctor looking at female athlete patient

Signs You May Have Suffered a Concussion Playing Sports

The New York State Public High School Athletic Associated made an announcement in July that the state’s high school sports seasons would begin on September 21. Though there will be no regional or state tournaments, football players, field hockey players, soccer players, and other fall high school athletes are practicing and playing their Fall sport seasons. 

In the excitement of participating in competitive sports, however, many students fail to understand that a negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous play made by someone else can lead to potentially fatal head injuries like concussions. Worse yet, because many concussions and traumatic brain injuries present no symptoms for several days, failure to seek medical care or inadequate treatment by trainers or team doctors can result in disastrous consequences. Because of the seriousness of concussions, it’s important to know what to look for after a collision or fall during a game. 

Common Signs of a Concussion

  • Ringing in Your Ears – Even if you don’t remember being involved in an accident or receiving a blow to the head, your ears ringing can indicate a concussion is present.
  • Memory Problems – If you find it difficult to remember dates, times, familiar people’s names, or other facts you usually know, you may have a concussion. Becoming easily confused is also a symptom.
  • Sleep Problems – Any unusual sleep patterns may indicate a concussion, especially if you had no problems prior to the incident. This not only includes insomnia, but excessive sleeping as well.
  • Headaches – Pain after a collision involving your head is normal. However, persistent or excruciating headaches raise concerns about a concussion.
  • Inability to Concentrate – Though lack of concentration may just mean you’re tired, it can also indicate more serious issues such as undiagnosed head injuries. 
  • Behavior Changes – Beginning to experience mood changes like irritability, depression, or even aggression could potentially signal a concussion.
  • Vision and Balance Problems – A concussion often produces sensitivity to light and dizziness, which can result in problems like nausea and vomiting.

New York Personal Injury Lawyers

Safety is paramount when playing sports, but even with all proper precautions, things go awry sometimes and accidents cause injuries. Head injuries can permanently affect you, so it’s important you seek medical care and contact the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at MOWK Law today to learn if you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it is a sports concussion or a car accident, our team has years of experience and the knowledge, skills, and resources you need when pursuing recovery for wrongfully inflicted personal injuries. Let us answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome from an unfortunate situation – contact us today!