If you’ve sustained a concussion, you’re in good company. About one-third of Americans report experiencing a concussion in their lifetime.
But just because concussions are common doesn’t mean that they’re insignificant. While a typical concussion will resolve in a couple of weeks, it’s possible for concussion symptoms to linger for months and even years. Among the most worrisome symptoms of concussions are mental and cognitive health effects.
Of those who have experienced concussions, one in five reports experiencing mental health symptoms in the first six months following a mild TBI (according to the National Institutes of Health).
If you have had a concussion, it’s important to understand the potential for mental health symptoms. That way, you can identify symptoms if they develop and get the support you need. And if your concussion stems from someone else’s negligence, you can better understand your options for legal recourse.
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What Are the Effects of a Concussion on Mental and Cognitive Health?
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). They occur when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Although concussions are considered mild TBIs, their effects can be serious and long-lasting. Symptoms may appear immediately or take days to manifest. These symptoms may include physical health problems like head pain, dizziness, and nausea. They can also include mental and cognitive health difficulties such as:
Depression and Anxiety
Studies indicate that the disruption in brain chemicals following a concussion can lead to depression and anxiety. These conditions can be compounded by the stress of dealing with the physical symptoms of your concussion as well as the financial effects (such as mounting bills for medical appointments and lost wages from not being able to go to work).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is another mental health condition that can develop following a concussion, especially if the injury occurred in a traumatic or violent context. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety that can significantly interfere with daily life.
A landmark study from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that those with pre-existing mental health diagnoses bear an even higher burden when it comes to mental health-related concussion symptoms. Their symptoms can be worse and last longer than those who did not previously suffer from mental health challenges.
Memory Issues
Cognitive functions such as memory can be profoundly affected by concussions. Sufferers may experience memory lapses, making it difficult to retain information and recall events. They may feel like their brain is “foggy,” with memories shrouded and inaccessible.
Concentration and Focus Problems
Concussions can severely impair concentration and focus, impacting both professional and personal lives. Tasks that previously required minimal effort may become overwhelming.
If you suspect that you have a concussion, it’s best to call a doctor right away. They can help you identify mental or cognitive health issues and treat them before they get worse.
Should I Call a Brain Injury Lawyer Near Me?
Too often, concussions occur due to someone else’s negligence—a sidetracked driver hits your car; a business fails to maintain its premises, causing you to slip and fall; a sports or recreational facility fails to provide you with the right safety equipment to mitigate your head injury.
If someone or something else contributed to your concussion, contact a TBI attorney. They can help you find the best medical team so you can heal properly from your concussion. They can also help you know if you are entitled to financial compensation to help defray medical bills, missed work days, and other associated expenses. And if you are eligible for this compensation, they can help you build an evidence-based case and advocate for your rights.
Remember that the number one priority of the negligent party’s insurance company is to protect their bottom line. They could try to downplay the effects of your concussion or connect them to a previous injury or mental health condition. This will save them money but hurt you.
They may also try to get you to settle for an amount that is too low. Many people fall for this tactic because they are overwhelmed by the financial costs of the concussion (bills for medical tests, therapies, etc.). But once they settle, they forfeit their right to more compensation. An attorney can help you understand ongoing concussion care costs and make sure you get an appropriate settlement.
The opposing party could also deny fault. In that case, an attorney can present the right evidence to prove your case.
What Should I Do After a Concussion?
- Consult a Legal Expert: Engage with a TBI lawyer to explore all available avenues for compensation.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Early diagnosis and intervention can mitigate the long-term effects of a concussion. Your attorney can help guide you to the best TBI doctors.
- Follow Medical Advice: Go to all of your medical appointments and therapies. If doctors tell you to do or not do certain things, follow their counsel. Otherwise, you could delay healing and hurt your injury claim.
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Document the progression of symptoms to help healthcare providers and legal representatives understand the injury’s impact.
- Watch for Mental and Cognitive Health Symptoms: These are every bit as significant as physical symptoms. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or mood swings, get help right away. The same goes for signs of cognitive problems such as memory lapses, brain fog, trouble focusing, etc.