Concussions are a common and serious type of traumatic brain injury. People who suffer from concussions may experience headaches, nausea, and memory issues within a week to ten days after the initial concussion.

If symptoms from a concussion persist for more than three months, it can result in post-concussive syndrome, which affects over 15% of people with mild traumatic brain injuries. The lingering effects of post-concussive syndrome can be debilitating to the sufferers’ lives and careers if left untreated.

It is best to seek immediate medical attention for this condition. Wagner Reese’s brain injury attorneys can also answer any questions you have about your or a loved one’s legal rights after a concussion at work or in an accident.

What Are the Symptoms of Post-Concussive Syndrome?

According to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) criteria, symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:

  • Past traumatic brain injuries
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Headache
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Stress, emotion, and alcohol intolerance

If your symptoms from a concussion last over two weeks, a doctor will evaluate your symptoms and look for a more serious problem. To rule out more serious brain damage, doctors may use brain imaging tests such as CT scans.

The severity of the symptoms from post-concussive syndrome depends on the individual. A person who has a personality disorder, depression, or anxiety will be more likely to report prolonged symptoms.

Since post-concussion syndrome can have a wide range of symptoms from person to person, doctors may misdiagnose some symptoms. Every year, as many 150,000 to 165,000 cerebrovascular events are misdiagnosed by doctors and thought of only as headaches or dizziness.

What Are the Chances of Recovery from Post-Concussive Syndrome?

Many studies have been done on how long it takes to recover from post-concussive syndrome. Some people do not have any problems after a few weeks, but others have symptoms for the rest of their lives. Approximately 27% of people with post-concussive syndrome fully recovered upon being diagnosed with the syndrome three months after their injuries.

Following your doctor’s advice is the best thing you can do after you receive a post-concussive diagnosis. You should rest and take any medications for symptoms such as headaches.

If you are having memory problems and trouble concentrating, speech therapy and occupational therapy might help. A psychiatrist or neurologist may treat mental health complications related to post-concussive syndrome. These professionals can prescribe antidepressants and psychotherapy that can alleviate the symptoms.

If you notice your condition changes, inform your doctor as soon as possible because it could signify a more serious problem like brain damage. Research has shown that if recovery from post-concussive syndrome does not happen in three years, you might never fully recover.

What Are the Lifelong Effects of Post-Concussive Syndrome?

Losing income or medical bills can put a strain on your finances if you have post-concussive syndrome and need medical attention and treatment. Your doctor may advise you not to participate in activities that put you in danger, such as contact sports. If you have had several concussions, you might want to think about quitting your sport because of the increased risk of further brain damage.

Your family can also experience the emotional and financial burden of post-concussive syndrome. Parents may need to take time off to care for their children who are suffering from post-concussive syndrome. This can be especially difficult if those children are teenagers who may find themselves in need of care while they are becoming independent.

Work With an Experienced Brain Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is experiencing post-concussive syndrome after being injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may seek compensation through a personal injury claim with the help of a brain injury lawyer at our law firm. 

The Indianapolis brain injury lawyers at Wagner Reese are here to help you if you or a loved one is suffering from any kind of brain injury or concussion-related issues. We are experienced in handling cases involving brain injuries and post-concussive syndrome. Get in touch with us today for a confidential, free consultation to discuss recovering compensation for medical bills, physical therapy costs, medications, pain and suffering, and lost wages.