Kenneth Goldblatt | October 20, 2018 | Personal Injury
The symptoms and effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) like a concussion may be immediately evident and debilitating, or these symptoms may emerge slowly and may not be seen until weeks after the original injury. The effects of a TBI can be life changing for the injured and their families; decreased earnings, loss of quality of life, and continuing health care are just some of the demands they may face. A skilled traumatic brain injury lawyer knows how the symptoms of concussions can affect lives and can help brain injury victims plan their futures with security.
What is Post-Concussive Syndrome?
Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS) is a condition where the persistent symptoms of a concussion (i.e., memory loss, headaches, impaired cognitive function) can be so severe that they prevent the sufferer from working or participating in ordinary life activities like reading or driving. These symptoms may last for weeks or months after a TBI and do not seem to be associated with the severity of the initial injury.
The Mayo Clinic identifies the symptoms of post-concussive syndrome as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Loss of concentration and memory
- Sensitivity to noise and light sensitivity
Risk Factors
Some of the known risk factors for post-concussive syndrome include:
Risk factors for developing post-concussion syndrome include:
- Age. Older folks are more prone to falls and thus TBI, so advancing age is a risk factor for PCS.
- Sex. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (perhaps because it is more likely for a woman to seek treatment than it is for a man.)
- Trauma. Concussions resulting from car collisions, falls, assaults and sports injuries are commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome.
When to see a doctor.
You may want to see a doctor if you experience a head injury severe enough to cause confusion or amnesia, even if you never lost consciousness. If a concussion occurs while you’re playing a sport, don’t go back in the game. Seek medical attention so that you don’t risk worsening your injury.
When to consult a lawyer.
Post-concussive syndrome can be life altering. Whether the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury like a concussion are immediately detectable or if they are emergent only weeks or months after the trauma, an experienced brain injury lawyer can ensure their client’s continued health care and security if they are unable to work or function normally after a TBI.
No one needs to or should suffer in silence while coping with the effects of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, whether they are experiencing symptoms immediately after the event or even some time later. An experienced lawyer can help.