Can Concussions Cause Permanent Damage?

Fans of sports will undoubtedly be aware of concussions and the effects they can have. Many of our favorite athletes have suffered from concussions at some point in their careers, especially if they take part in contact sports such as ice hockey, football, or even motorsports. Concussions can have a wide variety of short-term symptoms and complications which can sideline a person for weeks – even months. What are the long-term ramifications associated with concussions? Do they heal quickly with no lingering effects, or can they cause serious impairment for the foreseeable future? Can concussions cause permanent damage?

Concussions and Their Symptoms

Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). These mild head traumas can have a wide array of side effects, including:

• Prolonged headaches
• Vision disturbances
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Balance issues
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• A ringing of the ears (also known as “having your bell rung”)
• Concentration problems
• Light sensitivity

The good news is that according to leading scientists, the vast majority of those who suffer from a mild TBI respond well and are usually asymptomatic within a short period of time. This means that they do not suffer from any long-term ramifications from a single concussion. For others, however, mild TBIs such as concussions can have more serious consequences.

Long-Term Issues Associated with Concussions

According to Steven Flannagan, the Howard A. Rusk professor of rehabilitation medicine and co-director of the Concussion Center at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York, a “significant minority” of those who suffer from concussions can go on to experience chronic problems from their TBI. While this minority accounts for only 10 to 20 percent of those suffering a concussion, that is still a significant amount of people who deal with long-term consequences form concussions.

In those who experienced long-term impairments from concussions, the vast majority showed a shrinking of the brain when studied with MRI machines. While the shrinking was not dramatic, it was still calculable. This shrinking led to a number of symptoms which linger long after the concussion had subsided. These included:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty in concentration
• Problem-solving and other cognitive problems

These symptoms are commonly associated with a condition known as post-concussion syndrome, which may last for a significant period of time, and can lead to time off work, trouble with relationships and a myriad of other problems. These symptoms can lead to lasting injuries. For this reason, you should always speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you can receive the compensation you deserve.

Suffered a Concussion? Call Shapiro Law Today

If you have suffered a head injury, such as a concussion, and have concerns regarding the long-term effects of your injury, you should contact a personal injury attorney at Shapiro Law today. Our expert lawyers can assist you through the entire legal process from start to finish. Our firm will work with you to get you full compensation for the damages you sustained, including payment of all medical and treatment bills, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Call us today for a free consultation at 339-200-9933.