Post-Concussion Syndrome a Significant Problem for TBI Victims

January 15, 2013

Post-concussion syndrome a significant problem for TBI victims

Traumatic brain injuries are insidious harms. At first, it might seem like the consequences of a blow to the head -- be it from a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall or another cause -- will fade away over time. Since there is so little that can be done in the immediate aftermath of a head injury, most doctors hope that rest and careful monitoring will help the brain heal itself.

Unfortunately, a new study shows that that the effects of traumatic brain injury can linger for years after the initial trauma. Many traumatic brain injury victims end up developing a condition known as "post-concussion syndrome." The science surrounding post-concussion syndrome is still emerging, but researchers are making considerable efforts to learn more about the condition and how it can be addressed.

To that end, researchers at the University of Oklahoma recently released the findings of a study that sought to examine the long-term implications of traumatic brain injuries in veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While some veterans received their TBIs in explosions, others were injured in more everyday occurrences, like car crashes or other accidents. The researchers hope that their findings can be used to help understand the effects of TBI in the broader population.

Symptoms persist years after TBI

The study focused on 500 veterans who had been diagnosed with TBI between June 2008 and April 2011. The purpose was to determine how prevalent post-concussion syndrome is among TBI victims. Post-concussion syndrome refers to a disorder in which TBI symptoms like headache, disorientation, dizziness, poor memory and depression last long after the initial trauma.

The study's findings were disappointing, to say the least. The researchers discovered that for the vast majority of TBI victims, symptoms persist for many years after the injury. Approximately 51 percent of participants who had experienced a TBI within the past five to eight years reported that they still experienced severe headaches. Another 45 percent reported mild headaches.

In addition, most participants also continued to experience persistent difficulties with symptoms including balance, decision making, dizziness and coordination. Depression was the only TBI symptom that appeared to dissipate over time.

Post-concussion syndrome causes more than just physical discomfort. The symptoms -- and their accompanying psychological effects -- can make it difficult for sufferers to hold down jobs or maintain personal or romantic relationships.

How an attorney can help

Many of the effects of TBI and post-concussion syndrome can be mitigated with timely and appropriate medical treatment. However, brain injury treatment is expensive, and it is not always easy for TBI victims to get connected with expert physicians.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help with these problems. If the TBI was caused by the negligence of another person, an attorney can help the victim seek compensation for his or her injuries. In addition, the attorney will be able to help the victim identify the best treatment options. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand your best options for moving forward.

Article provided by Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer
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