The aftermath of any catastrophic personal injury can present tremendous challenges for both the injury victim and family members. Spinal cord injuries, amputations and burn injuries can all require long-term care and related medical expenses, but brain injuries can be particularly frustrating.
While the effects of some brain injuries are immediately apparent due to a severe reduction in cognitive abilities and motor function, other injuries can be very difficult to detect and properly diagnose. Post-concussion syndrome is a good example of a brain injury that could be missed without expert medical attention and a thorough review of the circumstances of the accident.
Medical experts define post-concussion syndrome as a “mild” traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head. Its primary symptoms – headaches and dizziness – may not develop until up to ten days after a motor vehicle accident, slip-and-fall or construction accident.
Usually, the head injury victim’s fogginess will dissipate within a few months, but this disorienting condition can persist for more than a year. In the worst cases, the injured person will be unable to work due to ongoing severe headaches, behavioral changes and loss of focus.
Like any brain injury resulting from an accident caused by another party’s negligence, post-concussion syndrome must be watched closely to ensure that the injury victim does not regress or develop symptoms that suggest even deeper problems. Just as important, all personal injury victims should review their legal options with an experienced brain injury attorney to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation for medical expenses, loss of income and other damages.