If you or your loved one has suffered a concussion because of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Many people who experience concussions are treated after the accident and then released from the hospital or doctor’s office. Later, they may still feel like something is not quite right, even though their doctor gives them a clean bill of health. Research has shown that individuals who suffer concussions can experience a more serious brain injury called post-concussive syndrome.
Understanding Post-Concussive Syndrome
Until recently, doctors and researchers have considered concussions to be a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Concussions most often happen when someone falls and hits their head or experiences a blow to the head. Concussions are most common in car accidents, slip and falls, and contact sports, such as martial arts or football.
The medical profession used to believe that unless a patient lost consciousness, they did not have a concussion. Now we know that this is not the case. Someone can have a concussion while remaining completely alert and conscious. Additionally, there is not any connection between the concussion’s seriousness and the onset of post-concussion syndrome. Nonetheless, victims who have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression seem to have a higher incidence of developing post-concussion syndrome than others.
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Symptoms of Post-Concussive Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome is a complex medical condition with multiple symptoms. Because of this, it is difficult to diagnose and treat. The symptoms are not the same for every patient, and they can closely resemble other conditions such as depression or PTSD. Some of the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can be psychological, not physical. The patient may experience personality or mood changes, making it difficult to reach an accurate diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, other common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include the following:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Loss of memory and concentration
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Light and noise sensitivity
- In rare cases, loss of taste and smell
Post-Concussive Syndrome Symptoms Can be Long-Term
In another recent development, doctors have discovered that post-concussion symptoms do not always go away. It was previously thought that when a patient had a concussion, the symptoms would go away within six months, or a year at the most. Unfortunately, some post-concussion syndrome patients have ongoing symptoms that can last well over a year, if not a lifetime. Additionally, there is not a specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome.
Instead, every patient needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis. The doctor should evaluate their unique symptoms and come up with a treatment plan tailored to their case. The most common ongoing symptoms for PCs include cognitive issues, psychological issues like anxiety and depression, and headaches. Post-concussion syndrome can make daily life challenging, especially when it persists for weeks or months. Many patients are not able to continue working because of their loss of concentration. In many cases, doctors will prescribe pain medication for migraines to alleviate the worst discomfort.
Recovering Compensation After a Concussion
For those who have ongoing, debilitating symptoms from post-concussion syndrome, obtaining compensation can be crucial. Patients who have cognitive problems such as memory and other problem-solving issues may not be able to work and provide for themselves and their families. The ongoing rehabilitative and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars or even over $1 million in a person’s lifetime.
One of the best things a patient can do is discuss their case with an experienced lawyer. If another person or company’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior caused the accident that resulted in the injury, the victim could file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Alabama law, victims are entitled to economic damages for their financial expenses and compensation for their pain and suffering.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama, so the sooner you discuss your case with a lawyer, the better. The skilled personal injury lawyers at Heninger Garrison Davis are here to help you determine the value of your case and advocate for your right to compensation. We will negotiate with insurance companies and defendants to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
