A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that is a common consequence of a car accident. Most concussions heal within a few weeks. If your concussion symptoms linger, you may be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. If you were not at fault in the accident, you are eligible to recover money to pay for your treatment and other costs of a concussion.
Concussions are the mildest type of brain injury and they typically heal with few complications. Your doctor will usually send you home with instructions to rest and monitor yourself for symptoms of something more serious. Post-concussion syndrome is a longer-term condition that may interfere with your ability to do your job and live a normal life.
What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?
The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are similar to the symptoms of a concussion, but because they last longer, they are much more likely to interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Inability to sleep
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in your ears
- Unusual sensitivity to light and noise
What causes a concussion and post-concussion syndrome?
A concussion usually happens because of a blow to the head, such as when you hit your head on the windshield during a car accident. It can also be caused by the violent head and body movements in a car crash. You can suffer a concussion even if you never lose consciousness.
The cause of post-concussion syndrome isn’t as well understood, but it does not seem to be related to the severity of the concussion. Possibly, post-concussion syndrome develops when the impact also damages the brain or the nerve system. Researchers also indicates that people who have post-concussion syndrome seem more likely to have a past history of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, seizure disorders or migraines. In addition, women and older people seem to be more at risk.
There is no specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome, other than resting to give your brain time to heal. But your doctor may prescribe treatments, counseling or rehabilitative therapy to relieve your specific symptoms.
What should I do if I have a concussion?
Always see a doctor after any car accident, and let the doctor know if you may have hit your head. The doctor will send you home with instructions for observing and treating the concussion. If your symptoms do not go away, you should see your doctor again, and at this point you may be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.
(If you did not see a doctor immediately, be aware that the insurance company may try to use this against you—but you still have a right to recover money. Many concussion victims don’t realize they have a concussion right away, and may only realize it if symptoms get worse.)
You should also schedule a consultation with one of the car accident law firms around Atlanta Georgia. Post-concussion syndrome is an “invisible” injury – you don’t have cuts, bruises or a cast to prove you were hurt. But it can become extremely difficult to carry on your normal life. You may be unable to work, drive or participate in family life. You may feel ongoing pain, and you may become isolated, discouraged and depressed.
You have a right to recover money to pay for treatment, the pay you have lost if you are unable to work, and the emotional consequences of your condition. But the insurance company may not see it that way. It’s common for insurance companies to claim that concussion victims are making up or exaggerating their injuries. A lawyer will make sure you have a thorough evaluation by a doctor who understands post-concussion syndrome and can calculate its impact on your life. You should follow this procedure for other types of injuries as well. With a lawyer’s help, you stand to recover far more money than the insurance company originally wanted to give you.
Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Our lawyers understand the toll that a concussion can take on your life, and we are ready to help. Let us give you a free consultation to talk about your case. We will never charge you anything if we don’t win money for you. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
