David H. Segal, MD, has served Eastern Iowa Brain and Spine Surgery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a medicolegal expert since 2009. Over the course of his career in medicine, David H. Segal, MD, has specialized in spine, nerve, and head injuries, although he has authored detailed reports on a number of additional bodily system injuries.
After experiencing a head injury, individuals may begin to suffer the effects of a concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when some form of impact to the body causes a person’s head and brain to rapidly move back and forth. During this motion, the brain may actually bounce or twist within the skull, resulting in a series of chemical changes. In some cases, brain cells may be stretched or damaged.
It is important to remain vigilant for concussion symptoms following a head injury. While a concussion can be termed a “mild” TBI, it is still an injury to the brain that can have severe side effects. Common concussion symptoms that may be observed by others include a dazed and stunned appearance, awkward movements, and poor memory associated with events immediately before and after the injury. Personality and mood changes can also be indicative of a concussion.
Concussed individuals may feel nauseous to the point of vomiting, and often experience headaches and issues with balance. They may also develop light and noise sensitivity, which can exacerbate feelings of confusion associated with the concussion.
