Post-concussion syndrome
What is a post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a group of symptoms of varying severity and duration that affect 10-15% of individuals after concussion.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is normally the result of a blow to the head. It can also be the result of violent shaking and movement of the head or body. Loss of consciousness is not required in order to develop PCS.
Common symptoms of PCS can include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Noise and light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of memory
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Change in taste and smell
- Problems tolerating stress/emotion/alcohol
- Personality changes
The intensity of these symptoms can vary. It can be difficult for a Doctor to diagnosis. Our brain injury specialists have connections with case managers and experts who will seek to diagnose post-concussion syndrome and arrange for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
How long does post-concussion syndrome last and is it permanent?
For the majority of individuals, symptoms substantially reduce within a few weeks or resolve within 6 months.
For approximately 15% of individuals, symptoms persist after 12 months. Whilst recovery may occur 2 or 3 years post injury or later, studies indicate that symptoms after 12 months can be permanent and result in life long disabilities.
Our client’s quality of life and recovery are of the utmost importance to us, which is why we work with expert rehabilitation centres, therapists and case managers to achieve the best possible outcome.
What causes post-concussion syndrome?
The debate as to the causes of PCS continues to date. The extent, to which symptoms are due to physical damage to the brain or psychological factors, or both, is controversial.
Misdiagnosis can be a relatively frequent feature. Some symptoms are very similar to those who are diagnosed with other relatively common conditions to include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Common causes of PCS include:
- Sport injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Falling from height
- Assaults
How to treat post-concussion syndrome
Rest followed by therapies to address symptoms. Medication can be prescribed for insomnia, headaches and depression. Psychotherapy and education about symptoms can reduce ongoing symptoms.
Quality of life after post-concussion syndrome
Long term symptoms can have a significant impact on individual’s lives affecting family, social and work relationships.
Individuals sometimes have to restructure their lives to avoid activities which aggravate their symptoms. They may need to change their social life to avoid loud, bright and crowded situations.
Family and friends need to be educated as to situations which can promote the onset of symptoms in order to help avoid them, and not make individuals feel isolated as a consequence of their symptoms.
All symptoms as a result of a blow to the head are potentially reversible; we have connections with rehabilitation experts to help maximise the recovery process.
Why choose our brain injury specialists?
- Values: We believe in putting your needs first to obtain the best outcome
- Expertise: Our team has decades of experience. We are ranked as band 1 by Chambers & Partners legal directory for Bristol and surrounds, and Somerset.
- Free initial advice.
- Transparency: Constant communication at every stage of the client journey.
- Taking care: We arrange visits to your home when appropriate.
- Expert opinions: We work with expert neuropsychologists, therapists and doctors to back up your claim.
- No win no fee: We strive to keep costs to a minimum, so our clients won’t have to worry about legal costs.
If you or a loved one is suffering from post-concussional syndrome as a consequence of an injury and would like advice from a solicitor in relation to a compensation claim please feel free to contact us for a free discussion.
