According to the National Institutes of Health, there are nearly 4 million concussions that stem from sports and recreational activity. This is in addition to the untold number that occur after car crashes and falls. About 80 percent of those who suffer a concussion will recover in three weeks, but the other 20 percent may have long-term symptoms. In some cases, Wisconsin residents who have suffered a concussion don’t even know that they have one.

One woman who suffered a brain injury in a car crash didn’t see doctors for a diagnosis for a week after the event occurred. She reported being tired, feeling foggy and forgetting her PIN number at the grocery store. The woman finally got a diagnosis after going to the wrong house to pick up her son. Doctors say that brain injuries are a silent epidemic because most people don’t realize the relationship between personality changes and a possible concussion.

Medical professionals recommend that those who are experiencing changes in mood or personality should see a psychologist right away. Treatments may be covered by insurance policies, and it may also be worthwhile to get a full physical examination to rule out bleeding of the brain or other structural issues.

While brain injuries are usually thought of in relation to football and other contact sports, thousands are caused each year by motor vehicle accidents. The injuries are often life-changing, and victims are frequently faced with the necessity of expensive long-term care. In the event that such an injury was caused by the negligence of another motorist, a personal injury attorney may be of assistance in seeking appropriate compensation from the at-fault party.