You may be wondering: can an untreated concussion kill you? Yes, it can. It’s a terrifying question—and one that deserves straight answers. The truth is, when a concussion goes untreated, the consequences can escalate quickly and dangerously. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we’ve helped many clients in Nassau County and New York navigate the aftermath of traumatic brain injuries, including the hidden risks tied to concussions that weren’t taken seriously from the start.
Know the Dangers: Can an Untreated Concussion Kill You?
Yes, an untreated concussion can be fatal. While concussions are often categorized as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), there’s nothing minor about the potential risks when they’re ignored. A second blow to the head before the first injury heals—known as second impact syndrome—can trigger sudden and fatal brain swelling. In other cases, bleeding or pressure in the brain may go unnoticed and lead to long-term neurological damage or death.
A delayed response not only worsens your physical condition but can also complicate your ability to recover damages if you choose to take legal action later. The stakes are high, especially if the injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness, like a slip and fall, car crash, or workplace accident.
Long-Term Health Consequences of Concussions
While many associate concussions with short-term confusion or headaches, the long-term damage can be far more devastating. According to the Mayo Clinic, concussion complications can include headaches, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood or behavior. In some cases, people develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks or even months.
For others, repeated or untreated concussions have been linked to serious neurodegenerative diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has been widely reported in athletes and military personnel. The reality is that the brain doesn’t bounce back the way other parts of the body might. Once the damage is done, it can be permanent.
Recognizing Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Immediate Help
Spotting the warning signs can mean the difference between recovery and long-term harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussion symptoms can appear right after an injury, or take hours or even days to show up. While many individuals improve within a few weeks, these symptoms may affect thinking, physical well-being, emotions, and sleep.
Symptoms that call for immediate medical attention include:
- Ongoing or worsening headache
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Sudden behavior changes
People brush off these symptoms in many situations, assuming they’re temporary. But when it comes to brain trauma, being cautious could save your life. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of getting checked out. Medical documentation also plays a critical role if a legal case arises.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Risks of Neglecting Concussions
When a concussion is left untreated, it may lead to a more severe form of brain trauma, classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs are often linked to life-altering complications, including speech impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and mobility limitations.
Even more alarming is that TBIs don’t always show up immediately. Symptoms can surface days later, which is why medical evaluations are so critical, even after a seemingly minor bump to the head. Whether it happened in a car accident, a fall at a construction site, or during a sports event, ignoring symptoms can lead to life-altering outcomes.
In legal terms, untreated injuries may also weaken a personal injury claim. Insurance companies often argue that delays in treatment indicate the injury wasn’t serious—or wasn’t caused by the incident in question.
Protecting Your Rights After a Concussion in Nassau County
We’ve seen firsthand how a concussion can disrupt not just someone’s health but their work, relationships, and future. In Nassau County, legal options exist for those who sustained a concussion due to someone else’s negligence. But timing matters.
Documentation, early diagnosis, and consistent follow-ups are key. These steps support your recovery and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue compensation. Whether the injury resulted from a motor vehicle accident, a slip-on unsafe property, or a job-related incident, New York law allows victims to seek damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.
We help gather the proof, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for what you deserve.
Talk to Our Brain Injury Lawyers Today
No one should face the question: Can an untreated concussion kill you? At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we understand how overwhelming a head injury can be, and we’re ready to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and move forward confidently. Contact us at 516-358-6900 to learn how we can help you take action before it’s too late. Schedule a free consultation today.
