A Virginia car accident can cause dangerous injuries. A number of injuries are visible on sight. Cuts, bruises, burns, and sometimes broken bones can be observed at the scene of an accident, and a Front Royal car accident attorney can help you recover damages for those injuries. However, there is another type of injury that isn’t readily visible: a concussion; and it could lead to post-concussion syndrome.
A concussion occurs when the brain is jarred against the inside of the skull. There are a couple of ways this can occur in a Virginia car accident:
- hitting the head directly on the steering wheel; or
- a loose object hitting the head and causing the brain to snap back and forth.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
A concussion can be so mild it’s barely perceptible, but the threat to the victim of a Virginia car accident is real. There are some noticeable symptoms of a concussion that generally fall into four categories:
- Thinking— you may have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly;
- Physical— you may suffer from nausea or headaches;
- Emotional— you may feel sad or anxious; and
- Sleep habits— you may suddenly sleep more or less than usual.
A medical professional can perform tests to determine if your brain has been injured, and you should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen.
Initial recovery could be just a few days. Sometimes rest, a light diet, and an over-the-counter medication approved by your doctor will help symptoms and give the brain time to heal. Occasionally, a doctor will have to take more radical measures if complications arise.
Complications of a Concussion
The worsening of concussion symptoms could be a sign that your concussion has resulted in a blood clot that is putting pressure on the brain. This can be lethal if invasive measures are not taken to alleviate the pressure on the brain.
Another complication is post-concussion syndrome, a common threat for those who have suffered a concussion in a Virginia car accident. Even after a concussion has been treated, it’s possible to experience continuing debilitating effects known as post-concussion syndrome, or PCS.
The symptoms of post concussion syndrome can last for weeks and even months after the initial injury. They may vary from patient to patient, but the following are some of the warning signs:
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- fatigue;
- irritability and anxiety;
- inability to sleep;
- loss of concentration; and
- sensitivity to light and sound.
In addition to all of the more immediate symptoms of PCS, people who suffer from concussions may be at risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases later in life.
Post-concussion syndrome still poses unanswered questions in the medical community, and if you’re suffering from these symptoms weeks or months after a Virginia car accident, you should consult your doctor. A physician can offer treatments based on your individual symptoms, as each patient may have a different experience with PCS.
You may be prescribed medications to deal with the headaches; cognitive therapy can help with memory and concentration issues; and psychotherapy is helpful for patients dealing with emotional impacts from the disorder.
All of these symptoms may have an effect on your quality of life, and have implications for those around you. The emotional and financial impacts of PCS can be life altering, compounding the damage from a Virginia car accident. Don't delay in contacting a Front Royal car accident attorney to hold negligent parties accountable.
A Front Royal Car Accident Attorney Can Help PCS Victims
If your Virginia car accident is the result of another's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Front Royal car accident attorney understands how post-concussion syndrome can have financial and emotional impacts for victims.
An attorney at Dulaney, Lauer, and Thomas in Front Royal, Virginia is ready to help. Call today to talk to us about your case at 540-636-7100 or 888-534-5346.
