Post Concussion Syndrome Statistics in North Carolina 2024

Post-concussion syndrome statistics in North Carolina may be surprising. In part, you may never have known about them until you or someone you know has suffered from PCS. The long-term effects of a concussion are often ignored but could highlight the need for additional medical or legal help. An experienced injury law attorney at Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, may be able to help you seek compensation to help cover the costs of your medical treatment.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a broad term that encompasses various symptoms that a person may continue to suffer from after recovering from a concussion. Although considered a mild brain injury, the aftermath of a concussion is an unfortunate reality that many do not recognize. Any degree of head injury has the potential to worsen or cause numerous health complications to develop and persist for years afterward.

The World Health Organization recognizes post-concussion syndrome as the presence of three or more symptoms after a head injury, some continuing for weeks or months after injury while others may persist much longer. These symptoms include sleeplessness, exhaustion, headaches, mood swings, irritability, dizziness, memory issues, difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, and other changes stemming from head injury.

Current Statistics About Post-Concussion Syndrome

For children who sustained a head injury and continue to experience symptoms for longer than four weeks, the condition is referred to as a prolonged concussion. This is the same for adult concussion victims after continuing to experience symptoms for several weeks or months.

Among those who sustain a concussion injury, about 34-35% of victims report experiencing long-term or ongoing symptoms even three to six months after the initial accident. This can cause numerous disruptions within a person’s life, including school or work, along with potentially affecting their daily functioning or social behavior.

One estimate asserts that between 40 and 80 percent of Americans who sustain a minor head injury or mild brain injury, of which there are approximately two million each year, proceed to experience post-concussion syndrome. Another source reports that up to 60% of people with mild traumatic brain damage may experience signs of post-concussion syndrome.

What Should I Do if I Have PCS in North Carolina?

If you continue to experience pain, vision or hearing problems, motor issues, or other concerning symptoms, it’s recommended that you begin by seeking qualified medical attention. There’s no standardized or conclusive test for PCS, and diagnosis tends to rely on the patient’s history of head trauma and the symptoms they reported, including the frequency and severity of said symptoms.

After discussing your situation, your clinician may conduct a physical exam, which could include a head CT or MRI scan. Your doctor is likely to rule out other health conditions, such as an infection. Depending on their findings and discretion, your health provider may recommend various treatments to help you treat or manage your symptoms. Care may include medication, physical or behavioral therapy, and various recovery or rehabilitation programs.

It’s also advised that you consult with an experienced lawyer who’s proficient in personal injury law, perhaps even an attorney who’s worked on post-concussion syndrome claims before. A legal professional can help you pursue compensation for your injury in addition to the long-term or permanent medical problems you continue to endure.

An injury settlement can help cover the costs of rehabilitative treatment and recovery programs, including ongoing care like medications, medical aids, and devices. Compensation can also allow you to recover damages such as wages you lost while recovering from injury and the physical pain or mental suffering you endured as a result of PCS.

FAQs

Q: How Likely Is It That Someone May Develop PCS?

A: It’s difficult to say how likely an individual may be to develop signs of post-concussion syndrome since each person’s vulnerability to the condition can be influenced by their initial head injury, their medical history overall, their general health, and whether they go on to sustain an additional brain injury. One report asserts that up to 60% of individuals with a mild concussion may go on to experience symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

Q: Who Is Most Likely to Get Post-Concussion Syndrome?

A: Individuals who may be more susceptible to developing post-concussion syndrome include people with a history of comorbidity conditions, individuals who showed signs of diffuse axonal injury and subdural or epidural hematoma, and people with relatively fair or poor social support. Mild concussions can lead to PCS, but those who experienced moderate traumatic brain injury account for approximately 47 percent of post-concussion syndrome victims.

Q: What Percentage of People Have Post-Concussion Syndrome?

A: It’s difficult to provide an exact percentage of individuals who suffer from post-concussion syndrome. There’s no standard procedure for identifying and diagnosing PCS, so it’s likely the prevalence of the condition may be underreported or that some people may be misdiagnosed.

PCS affects individuals differently, and symptoms may last for months before subsiding, while others experience impacts for a year or longer. One source estimates that 40-80% of Americans with mild head injuries may develop PCS each year.

Q: How Can an Injury Lawyer Help My PCS Claim?

A: There are multiple ways in which the help of a concussion injury lawyer can benefit your PCS claim. A qualified and experienced attorney who’s previously assisted PCS victims knows what signs to look for and how to build an effective case in order to obtain a maximum settlement award.

Legal proceedings can also be complicated, overwhelming, and potentially time-consuming. Your injury attorney can ensure that the process is simplified for you by handling your paperwork, providing insight into legal counsel, and more.

Competent Injury Law Firm Ready to Fight for You

Head and brain injuries can be incredibly difficult to recover from, especially when symptoms appear to never get better or even seem to get worse with time. You may be able to treat and manage the complications of post-concussion syndrome with a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

The experienced lawyers at Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you in pursuing compensation, which can be used to ensure you get the treatment you need and deserve. Reach out to our office today to speak with an understanding, skilled legal professional.