What Is Post-Concussive Syndrome?

A concussion is a serious injury in itself, but many people do not know that they can suffer from post-concussive syndrome for weeks, months, and even years after hitting their head in an accident. While most patients with post-concussive syndrome report symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and confusion for one week to three months after a brain injury, some people may suffer for much longer. Oddly, doctors have found that the severity of a person’s post-concussive syndrome is not related to the severity of a person’s initial concussion. A mild concussion can lead to serious post-concussive syndrome, while a serious concussion could have no long-term effects.

Medical professionals believe that post-concussive syndrome is due to a combination of factors: actual structural damage to the brain, neurotransmitter damage, and the psychological affects of suffering a serious injury. Women develop post-concussive syndrome more often than men and the older you are, the more likely you are to suffer from the syndrome. In addition, if your head injury was caused by a traumatic accident, such as a fall, car accident or physical assault, you are more likely to suffer from the condition.

What are the symptoms of post-concussive syndrome?

• Headaches, tension headaches, or migraines.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Behavioral changes, including aggressiveness, stubbornness, or irritability.
• Fatigue.
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or over sleeping.
• Concentration problems.
• Memory problems.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Sensitivity to sound.

If you believe that you are suffering from post-concussive syndrome, it is vital that you see a doctor and get treatment for your condition. If the accident that caused your post-concussive syndrome was caused by negligence, talk to a lawyer today about your personal injury case.



About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a VA injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases brought by victims of traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, in 2000, our firm helped a plaintiff receive what was then the largest verdict ever in a Virginia brain injury case. Then in the year 2012 we won a $21 million brain injury verdict.  We also have a blog in which we discuss only topics related to brain injuries and head wounds. 

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008.Shapiro and Lewis have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2008. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers receive this professional honor. In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA injury law firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News if you or a family member has been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.