Motorcycle riders face more risks on the roadways than those inside traditional passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists are more exposed to the dangers of the roadway, and they face a higher risk of sustaining a head injury in the event a collision occurs. Concussions are the mildest form of traumatic brain injury that can occur. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have sustained a concussion, there are various steps you need to take both immediately and in the days and weeks and follow to help ensure that you make a full recovery.
Concussions are considered mild traumatic brain injuries, defined as such because these injuries are usually not life-threatening. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussions can have serious impacts on victims.
When it comes to operating motorcycles, it is important to point out that traumatic brain injuries are the most common injury sustained by riders and passengers. Because concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, motorcyclists have to be aware of what they should do after suffering a concussion in a motorcycle crash.
The symptoms associated with a concussion after a motorcycle crash and range in severity, and they will differ from one incident to the next. Some of the most common concussion symptoms that motorcyclists need to be aware of include the following:
When a concussion is severe, symptoms can be extreme and even include uneven pupil size is caused by brain swelling. It is crucial for any person who is involved in a motorcycle accident to seek medical care immediately. Often, the signs and symptoms of a concussion do not appear until hours after the crash occurs. By seeking immediate medical care, an injured motorcyclist is taking the steps necessary to prevent any long-term damage. Early intervention with a traumatic brain injury can help significantly reduce and even eliminate any long-term effects.
When we look at information available from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, we can see that the most standard treatment for a concussion is for a person to rest. Information presented by the Mayo Clinic says that this rest should extend to refraining from vigorous physical activities for a few days up to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the initial injury. This can also include limiting the amount of stimulation that the brain receives, such as television, books, games, etc. Even though this may sound relatively boring, it will go a long way towards helping a motorcyclist make a full recovery so they can get back out on their bikes.
There are times when concussions can lead to long-term complications. This can include sensory issues, emotional challenges, motor function impairments, and cognitive impairments. It is important that an injured motorcyclist works with their doctor to come up with a treatment plan that best fits their needs and addresses all of the short- and long-term symptoms.
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