Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 300,000 people suffer a concussion each year. However, because many concussions go undiagnosed, this number grossly underestimates exactly how many people are affected by the "mild" brain injury. By some estimates, the true number of concussions in the United States may be as high as 3,600,000 annually.

A concussion occurs when a sudden force is applied to the head, or transferred to the head through another part of the body, which causes an interruption in brain function. The interruption in brain function can be brief or prolonged. In some cases, the interruption is permanent.

Little known facts:

• Concussions can occur without a loss of consciousness;
• Concussions cannot be seen on an MRI;
• Concussions cannot be seen on a CT scan;
• Athletes in almost every sport are at risk for a concussion, including those who play football, soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, softball, and volleyball; and
• Someone who suffers a concussion is predisposed (more likely) to a suffer a second concussion (second impact syndrome).

Common causes for a concussion include:

• Car accidents;
• SUV accidents;
• Tractor trailer accidents;
• Motorcycle accidents;
• Bus accidents;
• Falls to the ground;
• Falling objects;
• Direct blows to the head; and
• Whiplash.

A brain injury, like a concussion, can be difficult for a hospital or doctor to identify. In turn, many concussions go undiagnosed. This is dangerous for the victim as many concussion symptoms worsen over time, especially without proper medical care. If you have sustained a blow to the head, you should seek medical care, especially if you notice (or if someone tells you):

• A feeling of being "out of it" or "not yourself";
• Difficulty understanding a newspaper or magazine article;
• Difficulty understanding a radio to television program;
• Difficulty remembering or lack of memory;
• Irritability for no apparent reason;
• Light bothers you;
• Sounds bothers you;
• An emotional response that does not match the situation (e.g., extreme sorrow);
• Nausea associated with physical activity; and
• Sleeping for extended periods (i.e., sleeping the day away).

The lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have considerable experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving severe personal injuries, including concussions and post-concussion syndrome. Contact us now to discuss your case or concerns.