For far too long, sports coaches, athletes, and even some medical professionals have downplayed the seriousness of concussions. Some professionals even believe that individuals who experience a mild traumatic brain injury always, or often, recover within a six-month time frame. This way of thinking is outdated and does not align with recent scholarship. Several recent studies show that though many patients recover from mild traumatic brain injuries quickly, some patients experience long-term concussion symptoms.
Concussion Symptoms can Persist for Over a Year
In August 2020, the Oxford University Press in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology published a study discussing the long-term presentation of concussion symptoms. The study’s objective was to determine how common post-concussion symptoms are in patients who experience mild traumatic brain injuries. The study’s goal was to shed light on why some patients recover so quickly from mild traumatic brain injuries While others experience persistent, long-term post-concussion symptoms.
The study evaluated 110 patients, all of whom had mild traumatic brain injuries. The control group was made of 32 healthy individuals. The researchers evaluated each patient’s post-concussion symptoms two weeks after their injuries, and they also conducted a long-term evaluation. The mean amount of time between the mild traumatic brain injury accident and the long-term evaluation was 2.9 years. Researchers also evaluated participants for the following types of post-concussion symptoms:
- Executive function
- Information processing
- Emotional disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression
- Memory
- Cognitive function
The study’s results proved that some individuals experience post-concussion symptoms for a long period after the initial injury. Most patients reported that they had more post-concussion symptoms two weeks after their injuries, and their symptoms improve dramatically during their long-term evaluations. However, the study also found that post-concussion symptoms can remain one year after a mild traumatic brain injury occurs. Finally, the study found that certain types of symptoms may determine whether a patient will fall into the category of those who quickly resolve their symptoms versus those whose symptoms continue after the one-year mark.
Concussion Injuries: Post-Concussion Symptoms
Post-concussion symptoms can make engaging and daily activities difficult. Many of our clients who continued to experience post-concussion symptoms cannot return to work, or they are required to work part-time or change their field of employment. As the study mentioned above shows, even those diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury can continue to experience the following symptoms long after their initial injury:
- Depression or anxiety
- Seizures
- Personality changes
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor balance
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Headaches
Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
The symptoms associated with a brain injury can last for a long time. If you or your loved one continue to experience symptoms after suffering a traumatic brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact the experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers at Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free initial consultation.
