If you have recently suffered a concussion, it is important to be mindful of post-concussive syndrome symptoms. What is post-concussion syndrome? How can you know if you have it?
Post-concussion syndrome is the result of a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). For legal help following a brain injury, contact Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy. As a brain injury lawyer in Easton, PA, Attorney Shaughnessy has experience in representing clients who have suffered from mild TBI and post-concussion syndrome. He works hard to secure the compensation you need for treatment and concussion recovery. Don’t let the lasting effects of a mild traumatic brain injury go unaddressed. Contact Ed Shaughnessy today at (610) 258-9955 to discuss your case.
What is Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome?
Persistent post-concussive syndrome, also known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), occurs when an individual experiences prolonged symptoms from a concussion. Research published on the National Library of Medicine website states that approximately 15% of individuals with mild TBIs suffer from post-concussive syndrome.
Some individuals are at increased risk for developing persistent post-concussive symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury. Common risk factors include age and a medical history of headaches and head injuries. Pre-existing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or attention deficit disorder can also affect the likelihood of developing PCS. If you experience more severe symptoms immediately after your concussion, you are more likely to develop PCS later. Healthcare professionals must properly diagnose PCS through a comprehensive evaluation that distinguishes the condition from other neurological disorders.
Post-Concussion Syndrome vs. Concussion
A concussion refers to a mild traumatic brain injury. These injuries affect brain function but typically resolve within days to weeks with proper rest and care. Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms persist beyond the normal recovery timeline.
The main difference lies in duration and severity. A standard concussion involves a temporary disruption of brain function with symptoms that gradually improve, whereas post-concussion syndrome is a prolonged condition where symptoms worsen or fail to resolve.
How Long Does Post-Concussion Syndrome Last?
Concussion symptoms qualify as post-concussive syndrome when they last longer than three months. Recovery time can vary significantly depending on certain risk factors and injury severity. While some PCS patients may see gradual improvement over a period of weeks or months, others continue to struggle with persisting symptoms for a year or more. Some individuals even experience permanent effects following PCS.
Does Post-Concussion Syndrome Go Away?
Post-concussion syndrome can sometimes go away. However, you should not assume it will go away, especially if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms. Seek medical care from a healthcare professional to determine how to handle your symptoms.
Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome involves a wide range of common symptoms that can affect nearly every aspect of your daily life. Persisting post-concussion symptoms can influence how you think, how you feel physically, and how you interact with the world around you.
Acute Symptoms vs. Persisting Symptoms
Acute concussion symptoms are the immediate effects that appear right after a head injury. Signs of a concussion include acute symptoms like confusion, losing consciousness, dizziness, neck pain, neck injury, nausea, headache, and temporary memory problems. Persisting symptoms, on the other hand, refer to when those same symptoms continue beyond the normal healing period, often becoming more debilitating with time. While acute symptoms are part of the normal healing process after a brain injury, persisting symptoms indicate that something has gone wrong with recovery.
Physical Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome can create a host of physical symptoms that make even basic daily activities exhausting and uncomfortable. Many people experience persistent post-traumatic headaches, which sometimes don’t respond well to typical pain medications. Other common symptoms include nausea and trouble falling asleep. Clumsiness, poor coordination, and balance issues can make physical activities difficult. Chronic fatigue and sleep problems can also make other symptoms worse.
Emotional Symptoms
Brain injuries can significantly alter emotional regulation and mental health. Individuals with PCS are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety. These conditions can develop as a direct result of the brain injury itself or as a response to dealing with ongoing physical symptoms and lifestyle changes. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by situations that previously didn’t bother you, or struggling with emotional reactions that seem disproportionate to what’s happening around you.
Behavioral Symptoms
Post-concussion syndrome can lead to noticeable changes in how you act and interact with others, often affecting your personality in ways that concern both you and your loved ones. You might find yourself withdrawing from social situations that you used to enjoy. Decreased motivation can make it hard to complete tasks or pursue goals that were once important to you. You may experience unusual restlessness, mood swings, irritability, or anxiety.
Common Causes of Post-Concussive Syndrome
Since PCS results from a mild traumatic brain injury, PCS can occur following any incident that causes an initial head injury. Common causes can involve unexpected accidents or intentional harm to the victim.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. Sudden impact, acceleration, or deceleration can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, even without a direct blow to the head. Easton, PA auto accident lawyer Ed Shaughnessy has extensive experience handling auto accident cases involving brain injuries. He’ll help you pursue compensation from insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable for the long-term impact of your injuries.
Slips and Falls
A slip and fall can cause an initial injury that later develops into post-concussion syndrome. If your fall occurred due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or inadequate maintenance, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. As an Easton slip and fall attorney, Ed Shaughnessy identifies property owners’ negligence and helps injured clients seek compensation.
Intentional Attacks
Unfortunately, not all TBIs result from accidents. Physical assault, domestic violence, or other criminal acts can cause injuries that later lead to PCS. If you need a catastrophic injury attorney in Easton, PA, call Ed Shaughnessy. Attorney Shaughnessy works tirelessly to hold perpetrators fully accountable for the devastating and lasting impact of their actions.
Sports Injuries
Many athletic activities can easily lead to TBIs, which means that athletes are at an increased risk of post-concussion syndrome. Sports-related concussions can occur from direct impacts, collisions with other players, or repetitive head trauma. Injuries can become worse when coaches, organizations, or sports medicine professionals fail to recognize and properly manage initial concussion symptoms.
How to Treat Post-Concussion Syndrome
Concussion patients can take certain steps to aid recovery and reduce the risk of developing PCS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should focus on resting for the first few days after your injury. After an initial rest period of 1-2 days, you can ease back into light physical activities. Ask your doctor when you can return to school, work, or driving. Early on, you should avoid extraneous physical activities, such as sports. Limiting screen time can also speed recovery.
If your symptoms last long enough to qualify as PCS, healthcare professionals can help you address the complex array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Treatment details depend on your unique situation. Rest, medications, lifestyle adjustments, and various types of physical medicine and rehabilitation approaches may help you.
Rest and moderate use of over-the-counter pain medications can help with headaches. Having a set bedtime and using supplements like melatonin may help with sleep problems. If you have sensory problems, avoid loud, bright areas or adjust to your environment using sunglasses, hats, or earplugs. Vestibular physical therapy and vision therapy can also ease sensory issues. Physical therapy may be necessary to address balance and coordination issues. Additionally, mental health support can help you manage depression and anxiety.
Can You Sue for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms?
Yes, you can sue for PCS symptoms if your brain injury was caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. To pursue a successful legal claim, you must prove that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty through their actions or inactions, and that this breach directly caused your brain injury and resulting PCS. An Easton personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Who Is at Fault for Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Determining fault for post-concussion syndrome depends on the circumstances surrounding the traumatic brain injury. If your injury was the result of a car accident, courts can require an at-fault driver to pay compensation. Property owners may be liable when they fail to maintain safe conditions on their premises. Employers can also be held accountable when they fail to provide proper safety equipment, adequate training, or safe working conditions. Attorneys understand how to determine and prove fault for head injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a TBI Claim in PA?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit for traumatic brain injury claims. Failing to file within this period can result in your case being dismissed automatically, no matter how valid your claim may be. If you could not have reasonably known about your brain injury, you may qualify for an extension under the discovery rule. In such cases, the two-year period begins when you discover or should have discovered your brain injury.
Suffered From a Traumatic Brain Injury in Easton, PA? Contact the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury that has led to persistent post-concussive symptoms, you don’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial challenges alone. You can get legal support from the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy. Attorney Shaughnessy understands the devastating impact that brain injuries can have on your life. He’ll work closely with you to help you obtain the compensation you need for medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
Contact Edward P. Shaughnessy today. Call (610) 258-9955 or fill out his online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
