If you’re like most people who have experienced a mild brain injury, also known as a concussion, the injury healed in a matter of weeks, you needed no treatment besides rest, and you have felt normal ever since.
While a singular concussion may heal entirely and pose no additional health risks, repeated brain injuries can make it exponentially more difficult for an individual to fully recover and may increase the risk of long-term damage.
How Multiple Concussions Affect the Brain
In general, a mild TBI is sustained due to a jolt, shake, blow, or hit to the head. When this occurs, the body causes inflammation in the injured areas of the brain in order to further protect it. Such inflammation means that certain parts of the brain don’t get enough oxygen and temporarily stop performing how they should.
When the brain recovers, oxygen begins to flow to the injured parts of the brain and the individual is typically able to regain normal functions. However, areas that are repeatedly impacted may never be able to return back to normal.
Studies have shown that individuals who have sustained concussions are much susceptible to sustaining them again, particularly within the first year after the initial injury. Additionally, there are ongoing studies being conducted that may link repeated concussions with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementias.
Treating Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
With each concussion that a person sustains, their chances of developing long-term symptoms increases. Post-concussion syndrome is the presence of long-term symptoms related to a mild traumatic brain injury. Some post-concussion syndrome symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty finding things
- Difficulty reading
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
- Blurry vision
- Car sickness or nausea with motion
- Change in or loss of smell
- Ringing ears
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Personality changes
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
At Kornfeld Law, our Kirkland brain injury attorneys advocate for brain injury survivors and their families. If you have been injured as the result of another person and need legal representation, turn to our team for help. We will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Reach out to our firm at (425) 657-5255 to get started with a free consultation!