Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though a concussion may not be considered a major brain injury, the reality is that there are various long-term effects of concussions that can cause serious problems.
According to data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we know that there are around 1.6 to 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions each year in this country. Additionally, concussions commonly occur in other ways, including vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and assaults. Here, we want to discuss the ramifications of post-concussion syndrome so that injured individuals and their family members know what to look out for.
What is PCS?
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is the persistence of concussion-related symptoms beyond the normal course of recovery. In general, most people who sustain a concussion will make a complete recovery within about two weeks. However, if concussion symptoms last longer than normal, a doctor may diagnose PCS.
Patients with PCS could experience concussion-like symptoms at various times, including when they are resting or when they have exerted themselves cognitively or physically. PCS often forces a person to withdraw from their usual social, professional, or physical lives.
Symptoms of PCS
There are various symptoms related to Post-Concussion Syndrome. PCS symptoms are identical to the symptoms experienced by those in the initial phase of a concussion injury. In general, we will find that the symptoms include the following:
- Cognitive Symptoms
- Easily distracted
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty reading
- Problems with memory
- “Brain fog”
- Dysregulation Symptoms
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Pressure in the head
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Persistent neck pain
- Sensitivity to sounds and lights
- Sensory Symptoms
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Blurry vision
- Motion sickness
- Mood Symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Low energy
- Depression
Causes of PCS
As we mentioned above, concussions are not uncommon throughout the United States. The most common cause of concussions in this country revolve around sports and recreation incidents. However, anytime a person suffers a blow to the head, they run the risk of sustaining a concussion. Vehicle accidents are also a leading cause of PCS in this country, but a person can sustain these injuries as a result of bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, assaults, and more.
There are various factors that dictate whether or not a person is more likely to experience PCS after sustaining a concussion. In particular, those who have had a previous concussion or brain injury are more likely to experience PCS. Additionally, other risk factors include the following:
- Having a prior history of headaches
- Being female
- Being over the age of 40
- Having severe symptoms after the initial injury
How an Attorney Can Help
If you or somebody you care about has sustained a concussion caused by the careless or negligent actions of another individual or in the workplace, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. A skilled injury attorney in Martinsburg, West Virginia can use their resources and legal expertise to conduct a full investigation into the incident. An attorney can gather enough evidence to prove the liability of the other party involved and handle any insurance claim against that particular party. If the insurance carriers refuse to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can help a concussion victim file a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover the compensation they deserve.