What are the Risk Factors for Suffering Permanent Brain Damage After a Concussion?
While sustaining a concussion does not necessarily mean that you will suffer long-term impairment, certain factors will place you at a higher risk of suffering permanent neurological deficits. If your brain is still developing, or if you have a history of headaches or prior concussions, you are more prone to permanent brain damage following a concussion.
At Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C., we take traumatic brain injuries seriously, thoroughly investigating the matter to determine which party caused your pain. If you or a loved one have recently experienced complications from a concussion, our Shamokin personal injury attorneys are prepared to protect your interests.
Developing Brains
Each year, anywhere from 1.1 to 1.9 million children who participate in recreational sports experience a concussion. Since a child’s brain is still forming connections between axons (nerve fibers that transmit nerve impulses to other cells), the effects of a concussion can cause long-term complications. Besides developmental challenges, a child who sustains a concussion may suffer psychological difficulties, including anxiety, mood swings, and isolation from friends and social settings.
History of Headaches
If you have a history of headaches or migraines, your brain is more susceptible to developing headaches after a concussion. If you suffered a neck injury at the time of your concussion, your chances of developing tension-like headaches will increase significantly. Stress has also been linked to the development of prolonged symptoms. The severity of the injury is no indication of a person’s chances of developing prolonged symptoms.
Prior Concussions
Anybody who has sustained a concussion in the past is at higher risk of future concussions. Although you may have fully recovered from a previous concussion, your brain may still be in a compromised state. It may take less impact to sustain a concussion, resulting in a slower recovery time and even placing you at risk of developing post-concussion syndrome.
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that presents differently in individuals but is characterized by concussion symptoms that last three or more months. Symptoms may present as sudden onset headaches, vomiting, light sensitivity, neck pain, and blurry vision. In some cases, post-concussion syndrome can lead to permanent brain damage.
Compensation for Your Losses
If you are suffering from lingering symptoms or have been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, you are likely unable to hold down a job or tend to your family, instead consumed by surgeries, follow-up medical appointments, and physical therapy sessions. At Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C., we understand the burden that this places on your emotional well-being and your family’s happiness. Given your predicament, our Shamokin personal injury attorneys are dedicated to recovering the totality of damages to help you return to your normal life. We will gather the necessary evidence to link another person’s actions to your injuries, proving that individual’s negligence.
When you work with our team of professionals, you will have the best chance of collecting compensation for the following:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Laboratory testing and medical imaging
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries and procedures
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Infliction of emotional distress
Reach Out to Our Shamokin Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Any strike or blow to the head can result in a concussion. While considered a mild brain injury, a concussion can cause permanent brain damage, inhibiting a person from leading a full and productive life. If you have recently experienced a concussion, do not hesitate to contact our Shamokin personal injury lawyers. To arrange your free consultation, contact Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C., online or give us a call today at 570-286-6500.