Concussions are categorized as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs). While concussions can have a wide range of symptoms and effects, it is generally expected for these effects to clear up within a few weeks, or at least within a few months. However, as some MTBI victims can confirm, concussions do not always resolve within a short period of time. Some mild brain injuries can have effects that plague a victim for years.
Concussion Effects
Different areas of the brain are responsible for different tasks, so the effects you experience from a brain injury will depend on which part of the brain suffered damage. Even relatively minor damage can result in difficulty with some or all of the following:
- Communication
- Cognitive processing
- Balance and coordination
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Sensory issues
- Behavioral and emotional control
Even if these effects only last a few weeks, they can cause problems with work, school, and everyday life.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
If you experience concussion symptoms longer than six weeks, you might be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. This can last for years or might even be permanent in some cases. The following are some effects you might expect if you have post-concussion syndrome:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Photophobia and sensitivity to light
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Depression, anxiety, and other emotional symptoms
- Concentration issues and cognitive difficulties
These effects can plague your life long after the concussion was expected to fully heal.
Multiple Concussions
If you have suffered multiple concussions during your life, there are many frightening long-term effects that might be possible. Some people who have had multiple concussions experience:
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
- Early-onset dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic depression and mental illness
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
CTE cannot be diagnosed while a person is still alive, though the condition can cause severe symptoms years after concussions. These include physical weakness, cognitive impairments, dementia, sensory problems, and psychological changes, such as aggression, substance abuse, impulsive behavior, and suicidal thoughts.
Learn How a Fargo Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
All in all, it is not always safe to assume that your concussion is a minor condition and that you will be back to normal very soon. If you are bringing an injury claim regarding your brain injury, you want to ensure you recognize the potential full long-term effects and losses you might experience. If you sustained a brain injury in an accident, contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, Tatum O’Brien, Tim O’Keeffe, or Sara Monson by email, or call O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys at 701-235-8000 or toll-free 877-235-8002.
