Many people do not know that a concussion is a brain injury and not necessarily a head injury. It can result from a blow to the head and many times leaves the victim unconscious.

The brain is very soft and is well-cushioned within fluid to protect from minor bumps and motion. However, once a sudden and severe hit or action to the head occurs, your brain can actually become loose inside the cerebrospinal fluid and bang against the skull wall. Even if your body goes forward at tremendous speed and then stops suddenly, you run the risk of your brain hitting the skull wall and causing a concussion. The brain may bleed, nerve damage may occur, and the brain may experience trauma.

A mild concussion does not always involve unconsciousness, but can involve minor unconsciousness. These victims usually have a vague understanding of the world and feel uneasy. Severe concussions will result in longer periods of unconsciousness and usually take longer for the victim to return to his or her normal thinking patterns and abilities.


Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Unconsciousness: Again, this is a very common side-effect of severe concussions. Trauma to the brain can cause it to shut down, normally while retaining the body’s involuntary functions such as breathing.
  • Headache: Though this does not always imply a concussion has occurred, it is still noted as one of the symptoms.
  • Confusion: Feeling unaware or unsure of surroundings or situations may be a sign. Not being able to understand simple things can be also be a sign.
  • Nausea: This may be due to the brain’s inability to coordinate itself with the surrounding area.
  • Vomiting: This can result from feeling nauseated.
  • Memory Loss: This is another common side-effect. Many times a person may not be able to remember the events that took place near the time of the accident.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a concussion caused by someone else’s negligence or malice, contact the Indianapolis personal injury lawyers of the Hankey Law Office today at (800) 520-3633.