Post-Concussion Syndrome
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident or a slip-and-fall, you may have sustained a concussion. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a blow or jolt to the head (or an impact to the body) that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. The sudden movement causes the brain to move around inside the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damaging brain cells. The effects of a concussion can be serious, but fortunately, most concussion symptoms resolve within approximately two weeks, and nearly all dissipate within three months. If you have symptoms that last longer than that, your doctor may diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).
Most people with PCS may experience concussion-like symptoms in response to activity; some may also suffer from symptoms when they’re at rest. Symptoms are wide-ranging and may vary from your initial concussion symptoms. They might include problems such as headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, neck pain, and head pressure. Victims might also suffer from mood-related symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, personality changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis. Sensory issues like sensitivity to light or sound, ringing in the ears, blurry vision, loss of taste or smell, or cognitive issues like “brain fog,” memory loss, difficulty concentrating can also make life difficult for those with PCS.
The Effects of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-Concussion Syndrome does not seem to be dependent on the severity of the original injury, but research does provide some insight into who is more likely to experience PCS. Risk factors include:
- Those with a history of concussion
- Those with a history of migraines
- Females are more susceptible than males
- Elderly people are more susceptible than younger victims
- Those who develop vertigo soon after the injury
- Those who develop visual symptoms soon after the injury
- Those who experience a double impact during the accident
Post-Concussion Syndrome can affect every aspect of your life. Coping with symptoms can take tremendous energy and concentration, and because symptoms can intensify with activity, people with long-term PCS often have to modify their lives. For children, this can mean missing school, sports, or extra-curricular activities. Adults may be unable to work at their usual jobs, and family life can be greatly affected. Most sufferers report migraine-like headaches, and a decrease in the ability to concentrate and communicate.
It’s easy to see that Post-Concussion Syndrome can be life-changing. Fortunately, most people recover within three years, and, if you are diagnosed with PCS, your doctor will work with you to help you to effectively manage your symptoms. Usually symptoms begin to ease with treatment and rest. Sadly, those with persistent cases of PCS are at increased risk of developing degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE,) a condition commonly associated with sports injuries.
PCS and Personal Injury Claims
In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the effects of concussion. With increased research in this area, it’s become progressively more apparent that concussions can cause serious problems for those who sustain them. Although in most cases, accident victims will recover quickly, for some people a concussion will be life-altering. If you have suffered a concussion or other brain injury in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, since you may be entitled to compensation through insurance or legal action.
Obtaining compensation for Post-Concussion Syndrome can be more difficult, since the wide range of symptoms involved can also be symptoms of other conditions. However, a good personal injury lawyer can help you to build your case. Although approximately 90% of settlements for concussion or mild TBI merely compensate victims for medical expenses or lost wages, recent cases in Ontario involving Post-Concussion Syndrome include a $700,000 settlement awarded to a taxi driver who developed PCS after a motor vehicle accident.
In Ontario, personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations, so you can talk to a personal injury lawyer about your case, free-of-charge,and learn more about your options. There is a time constraint on these types of cases, however, so do call as soon as possible after your accident. Personal injury lawyers understand the financial stress that accident victims may be under, and that’s why they work on a contingency basis; they don’t charge hourly fees, but rather will receive part of your settlement. In other words, your lawyer will not be paid until you get paid. Although it may be tempting to reach out to a lawyer who has done other types of work for you, resist this impulse. Only lawyers who have experience with personal injury cases will understand the issues involved and have the necessary knowledge regarding the legal, insurance, and medical systems.
Meet with a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your situation. Get the compensation you deserve.