Post Concussion syndrome and other effects of mild head injury
According to Headway, around 1 million people per year attend UK Emergency Departments seeking treatment for a head injury. Of these, around 90% have suffered a relatively minor head injury involving only brief unconsciousness or no unconsciousness at all.
In some instances, these patients will require a CT scan, in others not. Of the approximate 900,000 head injury patients seen by UK healthcare professionals, most will make a full recovery without experiencing any long-term symptoms.
However, some are likely to experience post-concussion symptoms which may last for weeks, or, in some cases, months. Furthermore, a small but significant proportion will experience some kind of long-term difficulty as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Whichever category you fall into, if you live in Scotland and have sustained a minor head injury in an accident that was at least in part the fault of another party, you may be able to claim compensation for your pain, suffering, expenses and financial losses.
Thompsons' head injury solicitors in Scotland specialise in securing compensation for those who have suffered head injuries in the workplace, on the road, at school, as a result of a public liability slip and trip accident, or indeed any other kind of third party accident. Talk to Thompsons today
What is a mild head injury?
The vast majority of mild head injuries are caused by an impact to the head or body which causes the brain to move about inside the skull. As the brain moves, delicate brain tissue can be damaged which may result in loss of consciousness, loss of memory and feelings of fatigue as well as headaches for the sufferer. Post-accident symptoms can occur because the brain may be subject to post-impact bruising and swelling, as well as damage to nerve fibres and blood vessels in the brain.
Younger patients – i.e. those under 40 – usually experience a speedier recovery and fewer symptoms than older patients or those who have suffered a previous head injury.
It is essential to rest during the recovery period and to resume your regular activities only gradually – you should also avoid alcohol and driving during the post-accident period.
According to the NHS, most people will recover from a mild TBI within a week to three months.
Mild brain injuries can also be caused by a period of oxygen deprivation. Mild head injuries also include bruising and lacerations.
How a mild head injury might occur
A mild head injury can occur in many different settings. However, in most cases they occur as a result of blunt impact trauma or sudden accelerative or decelerative forces. Common examples include:
- A car accident
- A motorcycle accident
- A bicycle accident
- A slip trip or fall
- A fall from height
- Being struck by a falling object
- A sports injury
- A military service injury
Consequences and outcomes for mild head injury patients and their families
Around 80% of people who experience a mild head injury will develop symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).
PCS symptoms usually manifest within the days or weeks immediately following injury and are unlikely to last beyond three weeks.
It can sometimes be difficult to realise that your symptoms are attributable to PCS as they present as mild stress, irritability, tiredness, poor concentration, memory difficulties, anxiety, dizziness, poor vision and sensitivity to light.
Although these symptoms are likely to be short-term, they are unpleasant and can lead to relationship problems, reduced capacity to work and dependence on loved ones. In turn this can cause the breakdown of relationships and lost earnings, not only for the injured individual but also for those left to care for them during this difficult period.
Why make a compensation claim with Thompsons
Thompsons's brain injury solicitors in Scotland can help you secure the compensation to which you are entitled for your pain, suffering, financial losses and expenses – we are committed to ensuring that every possible component of your claim is considered.
To find out more about the service that makes us one of the leading injury firms in Scotland, call us today on 0800 0891 331 for a no-obligation discussion of your circumstances.
