Every day, people suffer traumatic brain injuries — damage to the brain caused by an external violent force such as a slip and fall, car accident, physical assault, or sports injury. Severity ranges from mild concussions to life-threatening head trauma. Most victims with mild traumatic brain injuries, also known as concussions, can often expect to make a full recovery within three months.
As time passes, many people in recovery hope to have a clean bill of health and the strength to get back to their everyday activities. For some, that may be possible. Others may experience consistent, worsening, or new symptoms—all of which might indicate the occurrence of post-concussive syndrome.
Understanding Post-Concussive Syndrome
Post-concussive syndrome is a complex condition that affects those with mild traumatic brain injuries long after the “standard” course of recovery. What causes the condition and its potential risk factors are still unclear. But what is clear is that victims may experience lingering and painful symptoms for years to come.
Unfortunately, post-concussive syndrome is frequently overlooked, leaving many victims in a state of confusion or uncertainty about the future of their health. Because it’s not a well-known medical term, victims may assume that what they’re feeling is normal or simply what they must “live with” after a brain injury.
After receiving a diagnosis for concussion, victims may hesitate to file a personal injury claim for damages because doctors referred to their condition as “mild,” only to find out later that they may have to deal with their symptoms longer than expected. Meanwhile, medical bills, treatment costs, and lost wages accumulate—and still, victims are left with no answers.
Symptoms of Post-Concussive Syndrome
With most injuries and illnesses, symptoms are dependent on the severity of the condition. In general, symptoms would be worse in the beginning and gradually improve. This is not necessarily the case for post-concussive syndrome. For instance, someone with a mild traumatic brain injury may show no signs or minor signs of impairment. Even with no symptoms initially, someone with post-concussive syndrome can develop debilitating physical and neurological symptoms, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Blurred or clouded vision
- Confusion or poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Bradyphrenia (delayed processing)
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
People with post-concussive syndrome tend to experience major disruptions in life, extending to their relationships, social life, and professional career. On top of managing chronic pain, post-concussive syndrome victims are tasked with reshaping their normal activities to avoid aggravating symptoms. In some cases, this may interfere with work, family, and hobbies, causing victims to feel isolated.
Is Post-Concussive Syndrome Long-Term?
While living with post-concussive syndrome can significantly reduce your quality of life and persistent cognitive and psychological impairments can make managing daily tasks and activities challenging, the most difficult part of post-concussive syndrome is that there are no specialized treatment plans to resolve symptoms. Also, there’s no timeline for how long victims should anticipate adverse effects.
Post-concussive syndrome doesn’t have to be permanent, but it can certainly be long-term if left unmanaged. Doctors may prescribe pain relief medications or recommend different rehabilitative, therapeutic, or at-home remedies to alleviate your discomfort. With effective symptom control and full financial compensation, recovery is still possible.
Claim Compensation for Post-Concussive Syndrome with a California Brain Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love suffered a head injury after an accident and are now experiencing post-concussive syndrome, pursue maximum compensation with a qualified firm on your side and contact our brain injury lawyer immediately. The Law Offices of JG Winter focus on providing personalized legal services and attention to clients who have sustained head and brain injuries in California.
At The Law Offices of JG Winter, we understand brain injuries can change your life. We have years of experience helping brain injury victims hold negligent third-parties liable and retrieving the highest payout for their injury-related losses. Our firm is consistently recognized for our hard work, dedication, and steadfast commitment to defending the rights of our clients who need and deserve our help. Schedule a free consultation by completing a contact form or calling 844-734-2626.
