How to be fairly paid for post-concussion syndrome after injury in an accident.
A “minor brain injury” may be viewed as one that does not affect you or anyone in your family. Virtually any real brain injury, even if not readily apparent to bystanders, can be deeply disruptive in the lives of both the injured person and the entire family. Cognitive symptoms can involve difficulties with memory, concentration, and attention span. Emotional symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. That is not minor.
However, head injuries that are not obviously catastrophic are not often taken very seriously. Patients are discharged directly home without any prescription and formal rehabilitation. Since there are no neurological or CT scan abnormalities, patients are often told that the tests are normal and they should go home and rest. They may even be assured that the symptoms will eventually disappear. Maybe, maybe not.
Public awareness of the potential long-term effects of concussions has increased with exposure to the debilitating lifelong problems of football players and military personnel who have experienced concussions, either repeated and seemingly routine, or from explosions in combat.
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS)
is a complex disorder that may disrupt life after a traumatic brain injury. While many people apparently recover from a concussion within a few weeks, others may continue to experience a range of symptoms that persist for an extended period.
Cognitive Issues after concussions.
Post-concussion syndrome manifests as a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigu blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and noise.
Cognitive symptoms after concussions.
can involve difficulties with memory, concentration, and attention span. Several factors may contribute to the development of post-concussion syndrome. These include the severity and location of the initial head injury, previous history of concussions, age, gender), and pre-existing conditions.
Emotional symptoms after concussions.
Emotional symptoms of post-concussion syndrome may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. This can contribute to behavioral changes of emotional responsibility of irritability, quickness to anger, disinhibition, or emotional overreactions beyond what can be explained by other causes. Patients who were high achievers with high expectations of themselves may suffer when they see stark contrast from their pre-injury level of function, going from brilliant to average. Their frustration may be increased by hearing repeating messages that ” nothing is really wrong”, and if there is, “nothing can be done about it”. That sense of deeply diminished capacity is depressing sometimes leads to suicide.
Seizure activity after concussions.
One of the common aftereffects of concussions is electrical activity in the brain resulting in seizure activity. The impact on employment and quality of life if seizures bar one from driving or use of heavy machinery even for a few months.
Post-concussion seizures can be triggered by the disruption of normal electrical activity in the brain, resulting from the initial brain injury. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing post-concussion seizures. These factors include the severity of the initial head injury, a history of previous seizures or epilepsy, younger age, and a prolonged recovery period following the concussion.
Post-concussion seizures can present in various ways, and the symptoms may differ from those of typical epileptic seizures. Common symptoms include sudden changes in consciousness or awareness, muscle spasms or jerking movements, staring spells, confusion, memory loss, and unusual sensations or emotions. It is crucial to differentiate post-concussion seizures from other conditions that may mimic seizure activity, such as migraine headaches or panic attacks, through proper diagnosis and medical evaluation
If one has any prior history of seizure activity at any point in life, it is imperative to tell your treating physicians and lawyer. If new seizure activity is addressed as an aggravation of a dormant preexisting condition, your lawyer can deal with that. On the other hand, when it is seen as lying to cover up an old condition, the effect on a legitimate injury claim can be devastating.
The treatment and management of post-concussion seizures typically involve a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring. Healthcare professionals specializing in neurology or epilepsy management play a crucial role in developing an individualized treatment plan. Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding triggers, such as excessive stress, sleep deprivation, or specific medications, can help reduce the risk of seizures. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress effectively, and avoiding alcohol or recreational drugs are also important.
- Anti-Seizure Medications: Medications, such as anticonvulsants, may be prescribed to control or prevent seizure activity.
- Safety Measures: Individuals with post-concussion seizures should take precautions to ensure their safety. This may include avoiding activities such as swimming alone, driving, or operating heavy machinery until their seizures are well-managed.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare professionals are necessary to monitor seizure activity, adjust medication dosages if needed, and assess overall progress.
Directionality after concussions.
One strange aspect of post-concussion syndrome is in directionality, reversing the perception of left and right. We had a client who was about fully recovered and beginning to drive again. But when told to turn right he turned left, and vice versa. Another person we worked with was a school teacher who returned to work when apparently recovering well from a brain trauma but would get lost driving to the school where she had been teaching for years, pull off the road, and call her husband weeping because she could not find her way on a familiar route.
Directionality issues following a concussion often stem from the injury’s impact on the brain’s ability to process sensory input and integrate spatial information. The neurological explanation is that post-concussion symptoms can impact a person’s ability to interpret and process spatial information, leading to disorientation, difficulty with map reading, and problems following directions. This can be particularly distressing for those who were previously adept at navigating their surroundings. Additionally, cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and memory problems can exacerbate these challenges. As a result, individuals may experience heightened anxiety and frustration when attempting to navigate familiar or unfamiliar environments. Rehabilitation strategies for directionality issues post-concussion may involve occupational therapy, cognitive therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation to address spatial perception, attention, and balance. Additionally, utilizing assistive technologies such as GPS navigation systems and smartphone apps can offer practical support for individuals experiencing directionality difficulties during their recovery.
When an injury in a truck or car accident involves post-concussion syndrome it is essential to get to medical professionals such as Shepherd Pathways and lawyers who are experienced in addressing this complex injury.
If you or a loved one have suffered a concussion in an accident that was someone else’s fault, submit our inquiry form or call us now at 404-253-7862.
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Founded in 1949, Johnson & Ward quickly became the first and best personal injury specialty law firm in Georgia. Founders of the firm were among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Firm alumni have served as judges of trial and appellate courts, and current partners include former presidents of the Atlanta Bar Association and State Bar of Georgia.
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Ken Shigley is a partner at Johnson & Ward, started in 1949, which was the first and best personal injury law firm in Atlanta. He is a former president of the State Bar of Georgia. Ken was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three national board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in trial practice and truck accident law. In 2019, he received the “Tradition of Excellence Award” for lifetime achievement in the legal profession. Mr. Shigley wrote eleven annual editions of a book about Georgia’s civil trial practice. He graduated from Furman University and Emory University Law School. He also completed certificate programs in negotiation and mediation at Harvard Law School. Mr. Shigley has been a widower since 2017. His son is a golf fitness trainer and his daughter works with terminally ill people in hospice.
