Long-Term Effects Of ‘Mild’ Concussions

People hear the words “mild concussion” and they often think of it as a temporary injury, something that heals quickly with a little rest. Unfortunately, new research is challenging that outdated perception, showing that even concussions that are categorized as mild can have lasting, life-altering effects.

For individuals involved in car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events, understanding the long-term risks of concussions is critical. These injuries are far more complex than they seem and deserve immediate, serious attention. Miami personal injury lawyers are available to help you get the care and compensation you need to move forward.

New Research on Long-Term Impacts

A mild concussion is typically classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It may involve a brief loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, headache, or memory lapses. Because symptoms often resolve within days or weeks, many accident victims brush them off, believing they’ve fully recovered.

However, recent medical studies have revealed that even mild concussions can lead to post-concussive syndrome (PCS), a condition where symptoms persist for months or even years after the initial injury. PCS can cause:

• Chronic headaches
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
• Sleep disturbances

What’s especially concerning is that symptoms can sometimes intensify over time or appear after an initial symptom-free period. Some research also links repeated mild concussions to long-term cognitive decline and increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases.

Why Immediate Medical Attention Is Crucial

If you’ve been in an accident, even one that seemed minor, and experienced head trauma, it’s essential to seek medical care immediately. Early documentation is critical for both your health and any potential personal injury claim. Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but also make it harder to connect your injury to the accident when seeking compensation.

Insurance companies may try to downplay concussions as minor injuries that don’t justify significant compensation. They could offer low settlements, especially if they believe your symptoms should have resolved quickly.

An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer is in touch with a lot of professionals that can assist your healing process. For example, an attorney can connect you with trusted medical professionals who understand the complexities of brain injuries. This will ensure your condition is properly documented for your claim.

With documentation in place, your attorney will then negotiate aggressively for compensation that covers both immediate and long-term medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By taking mild concussions seriously, you not only protect your health, you also safeguard your right to fair compensation.

The science is clear. Even mild concussions can have major, lasting consequences. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, don’t ignore your symptoms or accept less than you deserve.

Do you want to speak to a legal professional about a head injury sustained in a Florida accident? It’s important to fully understand the value of your claim and your recovery options before agreeing to any settlement terms. To learn more, have a conversation with the lawyers at Spencer Morgan Law. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.