The majority of people who suffer one mild to moderate concussion often heal within three months, but not everyone is so fortunate. Approximately 30% of people with concussions have lingering symptoms and the risk of long-term complications or permanent damage increases with subsequent concussions.
If you’ve already had one concussion, you’re more susceptible to another one, especially within a year of the initial injury. If you suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury in an incident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation with the help of a skilled Florida brain injury attorney.
Possible long-term effects of multiple concussions
Symptoms of multiple concussions affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to perform at work or school, sports or other exercise options, and even their personality.
Depending on the area of the brain injured by the concussion, a victim could also experience personality changes, from short-term memory loss to increased anger, poor impulse control, or anxiety.
The regions of the brain affected by the concussion experience inflammation at the site and damage to the cell structure. Your neurons that are responsible for communication in the brain and to the body, don’t get enough oxygen because of the damage, limiting the ability of the damaged neurons to properly communicate directions to other parts of the brain or body.
This leads to a “communication re-routing,” where the signals take a detour through a less efficient route of communication between your brain and body. Just as internal communication is less efficient, so also is your ability to carry out the instructions, whether it’s balancing, doing math or reading, or retrieving memories.
Your brain’s ability to heal itself is compromised after a traumatic brain injury, so if you suffer head trauma a second or third time, not only will your brain likely be damaged worse than the first time, your chances of making a full recovery are much lower.
Impact on quality of life
Physiological consequences
Despite its name, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) doesn’t only affect the brain. Damage to brain tissue can lead to dysfunctional operation of every system in the body, from the vestibular and cardiovascular systems to your vision, hearing, and speech.
Concussion symptoms could affect your blood pressure, causing hypertension, dangerously low blood pressure, or trouble with breathing dynamics. People who are used to a high degree of physical activity and capabilities may see these abilities diminished or a drop in energy levels.
Frustration with a loss of ability may be exacerbated because of the personality changes and poor impulse control that often accompanies concussion-related brain damage.
Cognitive consequences
Short attention spans, poor short-term memory, and an inability to concentrate have a significant effect on your job performance or school studies. Career stagnation and setbacks, or poor grades, often result. A concussion could impede your ability to earn a living, get promoted, or even live independently.
People who suffer multiple concussions risk permanent brain damage and may need in-home health care or accommodations in a long-term memory care home. If you or a loved one received the TBI due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, speak with a Florida traumatic brain injury attorney about seeking a legal settlement to cover the cost of care.
Prevention and management
In some instances, concussions can be prevented, such as by wearing a helmet when riding a bike, playing contact sports, or working on a construction site. Other times, a concussion might be unavoidable such as in a car collision or slip-and-fall injury. Preventing multiple concussions may mean a lifestyle change, either for a few years or permanently.
Your brain is capable of healing itself after a concussion, but it takes time and a combination of cognitive and physical therapy.
Although each concussion is different, from the area of the brain damaged to the severity, the treatment is often similar. Doctors often recommend rest and a very gradual return to daily activities, both physical and mental. Your physician will evaluate your tolerance for limited activity and stress before approving more vigorous activity.
Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury?
Treating multiple concussions and TBIs can be complicated, and many victims require intensive medical care to recover. If you or a loved one suffered a concussion due to the reckless actions or negligence of another party, the Florida traumatic brain injury attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help.
We can file for compensatory damages to cover your medical treatments, residential health care, and consideration for your diminished quality of life. Contact us today at (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free case review.
