Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome

When a person experiences a concussion from a motor vehicle accident, construction accident, slip and fall accident, boating accident, or any other type of accident, they may develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome.

Post-concussion syndrome is a complex brain injury that may be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose due to its similarity to other medical conditions. However, individuals suffering from post-concussion syndrome often experience debilitating symptoms, which can impact their daily routines, careers, and lives. If you believe you or a loved one developed post-concussion syndrome because of another person’s negligence, you might be able to recover compensation for those injuries.

What is post-concussion syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a medical condition that usually follows after a person experiences some type of head injury or trauma. Most people learn that they have post-concussion syndrome when the symptoms they experience last longer than they should. Cleveland Clinic explains that most people’s symptoms with a concussion begin to fade away within two to six weeks. However, those who develop post-concussion syndrome may experience symptoms for months or years.

Is post-concussion syndrome different from a concussion?

Concussions and post-concussion syndrome are not the same, although the same trauma may cause both. A person can only develop post-concussion syndrome if they first experience a concussion. Below are a few of the differences between concussion and post-concussion syndrome.

• A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury: Concussions are typically described as “minor” brain injuries. When a person hits or strikes their head on an object during an accident, they may suffer an injury to their brain, resulting in a concussion.
• Post-concussion syndrome is a medical condition that occurs after a concussion: Post-concussion syndrome is not a brain injury. Instead, it is a medical condition that may occur after a concussion. Not everyone suffers from post-concussion syndrome after being diagnosed with a concussion, but those who do usually have long-term symptoms that can completely alter their lives.
• The symptoms of these conditions have different time lengths: A person with a concussion typically experiences symptoms for a few weeks, while the symptoms for a person with post-concussion syndrome may last for several months or years. The length of time is the biggest difference between these two conditions. Doctors usually consider how long the patient has been experiencing symptoms when they diagnose post-concussion syndrome.

Individuals are more prone to developing post-concussion syndrome if they have had other concussions or brain injuries in the past. However, post-concussion syndrome is also more likely to occur if you do not seek medical treatment for your head injury or you receive a misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis for your concussion.

What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?

If you have post-concussion syndrome, you may have many different symptoms that are common in other types of illnesses, personal injuries, and conditions. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms:

• Headaches
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Anxiety
• Vision issues
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Feeling dizzy
• Increased irritability
• Mood swings
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Trouble remembering or recalling information
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Ear ringing
• Nausea
• Vertigo

What are the differences between a traumatic brain injury and a concussion?

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions are both head injuries. Even though a traumatic brain injury and concussion may seem like totally different terms, a concussion is actually a “minor” type of traumatic brain injury. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury instead of specifically a concussion, you may have a contusion, brain hemorrhage, intracranial hematoma, coup-contrecoup brain injury, diffuse axonal injury, or a penetrating brain injury, which are all usually considered more severe than concussions.

Should I seek medical attention for a “minor” concussion or head injury?

Individuals who have struck their head on an object, such as the ground or pavement, a steering wheel, a dashboard, or even a piece of furniture in their home, should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Even if you do not experience serious symptoms or believe that you are completely fine, it is critical to visit your local emergency room or primary care physician in Chicago right away. Concussions may not present any symptoms. However, like any other type of traumatic brain injury, if your concussion is left undetected or untreated, it may become worse and cause serious and life-altering consequences such as post-concussion syndrome.

Have you recently suffered a head injury which resulted in post-concussion syndrome? If so, a Chicago brain injury attorney from Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to help. We protect clients who develop this condition after car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, and more. While it may be difficult to prove to insurance companies that you have post-concussion syndrome, we know that it is possible with strong evidence, strategy, and representation. Call our office or submit our contact form today if you are ready to fight for the compensation you need for your post-concussion syndrome and other injuries. We offer free, no-obligation consultations at our Chicago office to discuss your claim at your earliest convenience.