Researchers are learning more about the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range in severity, and concussions are considered the least severe TBI. Many people assume that concussions are not serious and that children will recover from them quickly and without any long-term effects. However, when children suffer concussions, they can experience long-term consequences. Head injuries take time to heal, and children should rest from cognitive and physical activities after a concussion. In most cases, children will be ready to go back to school and their normal activities within a few days or weeks after a concussion. However, in some cases, concussions will affect learning in children for years to come.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome is a complex medical disorder that occurs when a child does not recover from a concussion quickly. Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include fatigue, dizziness, and challenges with thinking skills, such as attention and memory. When concussion symptoms last over a year, children can be negatively affected in all areas of their lives, including their education.
Most people assume that if a concussion is not severe, their child will not develop post-concussion syndrome. However, researchers have not found a link between the severity of the concussion and the risk of post-concussion syndrome. In other words, even if your child never lost consciousness during the concussion, your child could still face learning challenges if he or she develops post-concussion syndrome. All of the following symptoms from post-concussion syndrome can negatively interfere with your child’s education and learning processes:
- Sensitivity to noise or light
- Changes in personality
- Behavioral changes
- Mood changes
- Sleeping disorders
- Slowness in understanding and responding to other people
- Memory problems
- Difficulty focusing in school
- Feeling groggy, dazed, or sluggish
- Blurry or double vision
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Nausea
- Feeling pressure in the head or having a headache
Researchers have found that children who experienced multiple concussions are more likely to have long-term symptoms. Having one concussion puts your child at a high risk of having another concussion. Repeat concussions over the years can affect and multiply the potential seriousness of learning challenges. Unfortunately, even if your child wears a helmet and does not engage in contact sports, there is always a risk of suffering another concussion. If your child has had one concussion, it is wise to stop your child from returning to playing sports until he or she has undergone a medical evaluation.
Contact a Missouri TBI Lawyer
Has your child experienced a concussion or traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be entitled to compensation that could help you provide your child with the medical treatment, occupational, and physical therapy that he or she deserves. At Griggs Injury Law, we focus a large part of our legal practice on helping our clients obtain compensation after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. We can help you and your family seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
