Are You Suffering From Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Any type of accident that involves some sort of blunt force trauma to the head can result in serious injuries, including concussions. Unfortunately, even concussions labeled as minor can result in long-term problems if a person is also diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

What are Concussions? 

Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by blunt force trauma to the head, or rapid acceleration-deceleration. These injuries can affect the way the brain functions, causing headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and a ringing in the ears. Often, these injuries don’t show up right away, but could develop hours or even days after sustaining a head injury. This is why it’s so important for accident victims who strike their heads to seek medical attention right away after the accident. Doing so could make all the difference in quickly diagnosing and beginning treatment for an injury that may not have manifested yet.

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome? 

Most accident victims who sustain concussions are able to resume their regular, day-to-day activities within a few weeks of their accident. Unfortunately, time and rest aren’t always enough to heal a brain injury and some accident victims could end up suffering from symptoms for months or years to come. When TBI symptoms persist longer than the expected recovery period (usually three months) a person could be suffering from post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS occurs a lot more often than most people realize, causing impairments in as many as 15 percent of those who suffer mild TBIs. Certain individuals are more likely to suffer from PCS, including those who:

• Have experienced multiple instances of head trauma;
• Suffered from more severe symptoms after the injury;
• Sustained depressed skull fractures, intracranial hematoma, or another type of complicated TBI; and
• Are under the age of 18 years old.

Some of those who are diagnosed with PCS struggle with chronic pain and disability for years.

Diagnosing and Treating PCS 

There isn’t a specific test for PCS, so to diagnose this type of condition, a person will need to undergo a physical examination, CT and MRI scans, lab tests, and an assessment of any history of head trauma. Once diagnosed, an accident victim suffering from PCS may require pain medications to manage headaches and migraines and the help of specialists who can assist with the treatment of mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. While these tests and treatments can be expensive, accident victims who can provide proof of someone else’s negligence could recover compensation for these losses, as well as reimbursement for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Here to Help with Your Accident Claim 

Anderson & Anderson is one of the longest-running personal injury law firms in central Florida. As such, we have deep knowledge of personal injury law in the state and familiarity with the local court system. This allows us to handle any issues that you may face while pursuing your case both effectively and efficiently. Reach out to our dedicated Tampa personal injury lawyers at 813-251-0072 to get started on your case today.

 Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534786/