Going To The Doctor After Suffering A Concussion

A concussion is much more than just a bump on the head – it is a brain injury that could have serious consequences and that should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Even if you have suffered a similar head injury in the past, going to the doctor is important both so that you can be educated about your injury and to better understand what you should look for and be wary of in the coming weeks.

Before your appointment, make sure to:

• Bring along a friend or family member. Especially if your concussion or brain injury is recent, it is a good idea to have someone there who is not suffering from a head injury and who can listen to what the doctor has to say. You may not realize you are foggy-headed or confused until days later. In addition, if you bring someone who witnessed the accident, they may able to be able to tell your doctor what took place more accurately than you can.
• Write down questions – and ask them! It is easy to forget to ask questions during an examine or to ask one but not another. Having a list to refer to ensures that you will remember everything – and that you’ll have a place to write down answers.
• Write down any important medical information, including any symptoms you’ve noticed since the head injury accident. Again, it is not uncommon for you to have difficultly with memory, confusion, and clear thinking after the accident, so write down everything. The more you share with your doctor and the more truthful you are, the more he or she can help you get better.

Concussions, whether they are mild or serious, deserve close, thorough, and swift medical attention. Do not take your mild head injury lightly, and always be sure to take care of your health.




About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a VA injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases brought by victims of traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, in 2000, our firm helped a plaintiff receive what was then the largest verdict ever in a Virginia brain injury case. Then in the year 2012 we won a $21 million brain injury verdict.  We also have a blog in which we discuss only topics related to brain injuries and head wounds. 

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008.Shapiro and Lewis have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2008. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers receive this professional honor. In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA injury law firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News if you or a family member has been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.