Post Concussive Syndrome Lawyers in Austin
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Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS) is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. It presents as a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or even a year or more after the injury occurs including:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Cognitive difficulties
- Emotional difficulties
- Behavioral issues
There are many events that can lead to a PCS including motor vehicle accidents, falling objects, violent attacks or head strikes. Following an accident or injury, some symptoms will appear immediately, such as headache, nausea and drowsiness, while others may take weeks or months to manifest. The severity of the physical injuries will often lessen or go away with the poultice of time, but many of the cognitive and psychological issues tend to develop later in the syndrome. Some of these late developing symptoms may include:
- Noise sensitivity
- Scent aversion
- Difficulty with concentration
- Poor memory
- Poor judgment
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Treating PCS
The management of PCS usually involves rest and medical therapies to ease symptoms. Pain medication may be prescribed for headache and anti-depressants may be prescribed for depression. Unfortunately, the side effects from these, and other medications, may cause further difficulties or exasperate already existing symptoms. Physical therapy and psychological therapy may also be needed to address problems related to loss of balance and cognitive problems. Psychotherapy may also be prescribed to improve function at work or in social situations.
In some situations, such as a motor vehicle accident or in a violent attack, PCS may be accompanied by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While it is not clear why some people develop PTSD while others don’t, it is common to develop PTSD following a trauma that involved a physical injury or the threat of physical harm. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly eight million adults in the United States suffer from PTSD annually.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD may include:
1) Re-experiencing symptoms
- Bad dreams
- Frightening thoughts
- Flashbacks and the reliving of the trauma
2) Avoidance symptoms
- Avoiding places or events that are reminders
- Strong feelings of guilt, worry or depression
- Losing interest in activities enjoyed in the past
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Having trouble remembering the trauma or event
3) Hyper-arousal symptoms
- Easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping
- Angry outbursts
- Feeling tense or edgy
Call Zinda Law Group Today
People with PCS, PTSD, depression, and anxiety can be treated with medication for the physical symptoms, and psychotherapy can be prescribed for the emotional and cognitive symptoms. Whatever the circumstances of your injury and treatment, if you have sustained a PCS or suffer from PTSD as a result, you need to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. The attorneys at Zinda Law Group have years of experience in representing victims of PCS and PTSD and we can help you. Call to speak with a Personal Injury attorney today at (800) 863-5312 for a free, no-fee consultation. Let us help you.
