Concussions More Harmful Than Thought, Symptoms Persist for Years

January 24, 2013

Concussions More Harmful Than Thought, Symptoms Persist for Years

For years physicians, coaches and parents thought that a concussion was something that could be cured with a little rest. Unfortunately, new research is questioning this notion.

Researchers with the University of Oklahoma suggest that the symptoms associated with concussions, also known as traumatic brain injuries, can last years longer than expected. Even more surprising: the symptoms may not decrease in intensity.

Details of the Study

The study focused on the severity and duration of symptoms associated with traumatic brain injuries. These symptoms included headaches, dizziness, depression and problems with memory. The researchers followed a group of 500 veterans who suffered from these injuries.

The soldiers in the study fell into groups based on how long ago they received the injury, with most injured either five or eight years prior to the study. Researchers conducted a series of questions and tests and ultimately found that the symptoms did not improve with the passage of time.

Those who suffered traumatic brain injuries continued to experience both the physical symptoms of headaches and dizziness and the psychological symptoms of depression long after the injury was first diagnosed.

As a result, researchers who conducted the study are noting that victims of traumatic brain injuries may require medical treatment and psychiatric care for eight or more years after the injury.

Common Causes of Brain Injury

A concussion, the most common type of traumatic brain injury according to the National Institutes of Health, is caused when a collision causes the brain to move within the skull in such a manner that it receives bruising. This type of injury can occur in many ways, but more common causes include:
-Sporting accidents
-Falls
-Physical assault
-Traffic accidents

If someone is involved in one of these types of incidents and becomes drowsy, behaves abnormally, develops a headache, passes out or vomits, he or she may be suffering from a concussion and should receive medical care promptly.

If the injury is the result of another person's negligence, compensation may be available to cover medical and rehabilitative expenses. A person is negligent if they act in a careless manner that results in the injury of another. This can include texting or talking on the phone while driving and causing a car accident or a store that fails to clean up a spill leading to a slip and fall accident.

Whatever the cause of the injury, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced brain injury attorney to better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.

Article provided by The Law Offices of Simon H. Forgette, P.S Visit us at http://www.forgettelaw.com/