As personal injury lawyers we always hear about life after concussions, especially when there is a diagnosis of post concussion syndrome. Of course, all brain injuries are serious, but post concussion syndrome not only effects the person who sustained the injury, but his or her loved ones and friends too. It has been suggested that 5-30% of concussion victims suffer from post concussion syndrome.
How Post Concussion Syndrome Affects Your Life
Post concussion syndrome can prevent you from living your normal day to day life. It can result in significant cognitive, emotional and personality changes. Symptoms can include lack of impulse control, anger issues, head aches, blurred vision, insomnia or other sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, physical coordination and balance impairment, and frustration.
The key to success in the battle against post concussion syndrome is getting the correct diagnosis right away from your family doctor or specialist so that concussion victim can be referred to the proper treatment providers.
Recovering from Post Concussion Syndrome
Post concussion syndrome is a difficult condition to recover from. It does not show up on imaging like x-rays or MRIs and there is no specific medication you can take to recover from it. There are many symptoms of post concussion syndrome and each person’s experience may vary.
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Increased intolerance to alcohol
- Irritability
- Lack of impulse control
- Changes in emotional state – stress, depression, and anxiety
- Lack of ability or difficulty in concentrating
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping or maintaining sleep
- Changes in appetite
These symptoms came make holding a job very difficult, doing your housekeeping chores and even socializing with your friends and family. Many patients find relief in keeping a journal of symptoms and triggers.
Almost everyone benefits from:
- Physiotherapy
- Regular exercise
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- A balanced diet
- Avoiding recreational drug and alcohol use are important as self medication can easily lead to addiction.
In the context of a car accident claim, a diagnosis of post concussion syndrome is usually sufficient enough to be removed from the Minor Injury Guidelines (MIG) under your accident benefits claim. You will want to provide your insurance company with updated medical records that show a diagnosis of post concussion syndrome. If your insurance company is reasonable they will remove you from the MIG so that you can receive treatment up to $65,000.00. This will allow you to see specialists like psychologists, occupational therapists and other concussion treatment providers. You will also be given the attendant care option which allows for PSWs to come into your home to assist you with self care.
Proper Media Attention is Critical
As mentioned, concussion are a difficult condition to deal with. It’s much worse if you’ve had concussions in the past. It is important that you get the proper medical attention from your family doctor and specialists and if your concussion symptoms stem from a motor vehicle accident it is important that you make sure the insurance company is aware of your diagnosis. Communication is important. If you are unable to do so make sure you have someone to speak on your behalf. This can be a friend, family member or personal injury lawyer.
