Are You Suffering From Postconcussive Syndrome?

Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most commonly occurring accident-related injuries. In fact, health experts estimate that 1.5 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually in the U.S., around 75 percent of which are categorized as “mild”. While some TBI patients are fortunate enough to have their symptoms resolve spontaneously after a few days or weeks of rest and treatment, others are not so fortunate and could end up suffering from Postconcussive Syndrome (PCS).

What is Postconcussive Syndrome?

 Postconcussive Syndrome, or PCS, occurs when concussion-related symptoms continue to occur beyond the normal course of a patient’s recovery. Symptoms can be physical, but may also be cognitive, behavioral, or emotional and include:

• Tension-type headaches;
• Sensitivity to light and noise;
• Problems with balance;
• Unexplained fatigue;
• Confusion;
• Ongoing dizziness;
• Difficulty concentrating; and
• Insomnia.

Some of these symptoms will be transient, resolving within a few weeks, while in other cases, the problems could linger for months. When symptoms have lasted for more than three months, a person is likely suffering from persistent postconcussive syndrome, which can come with permanent effects on cognition and memory. As many as 15 percent of patients who sustain mild TBIs will suffer from PCS.

How Do TBIs Occur? 

A traumatic brain injury can happen any time the head experiences a sudden impact from an external source, or from an object actually penetrating the skull. The resulting damage can affect how the brain works, causing both short and long-term problems with brain function, including how a person moves, acts, or communicates. TBIs often occur in those who play contact sports, but the majority happen as a result of falls, car accidents, and other similar events that involve blunt force trauma. For most, these symptoms will manifest within a week of the accident. How long they last, however, will depend on the health of the victim and the severity of the injury.

Who is Most At-Risk of PCS? 

Anyone can suffer from PCS, including those who sustained more serious head injuries, although it is most common in victims of mild TBIs. Certain individuals, however, are more likely to suffer from PCS than others. For instance, increasing age has been shown to heighten the risk of postconcussive symptoms. Similarly, women are more likely to be diagnosed with this condition, as are those who have suffered head trauma in the past. It’s important to note, however, that being at increased risk for PCS does not mean that a person is barred from recovery. Anyone who suffers a head injury because of someone else’s negligence could be entitled to compensation for their medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call Our Atlanta Law Office Today 

While they may be a common accident-related injury, TBIs should not be taken lightly, as they can have far-reaching consequences for victims and their families. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, our Marietta traumatic brain injury lawyers have seen firsthand the kind of physical and financial toll that head injuries can take on victims and are eager to put our resources and experience to work for you. Call 404-593-0020 or send us an online message to set up an initial case evaluation today.

Sources:

 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534786/

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