According to a recent study conducted by Oxford University scientists, when a young person suffers even one concussion, it can have long-term consequences. Head trauma can have a permanent impact on mental and physical health. This risk is greatly increased with multiple head traumas, but new evidence that even a single concussion can have catastrophic, life-long effects is alarming.
The study – the largest of its kind, to date – focused on individuals who suffered head trauma under the age of 25. The medical data covered a 40-year period, and the results of the study were startling. Young people who experience a single diagnosed concussion have:
- A greater chance of receiving disability benefits
- A greater chance of receiving mental health treatment
- A lesser chance of graduating from high school than siblings
- A lesser chance of attending college than siblings
- Twice the risk of early death when compared to siblings without head injuries
In addition to the above results, the study also found that outcomes were better for those young people who suffered a concussion before the age of 15. In early childhood, the brain is more resilient than for young adults. For those who suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries, long-term consequences increased greatly. This new evidence is of special concern for families of children who participate in high-impact sports, such as football and rugby. Head injuries in young people are usually the result of sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents. If you are suffering from a head injury, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.
How to Identify a Concussion
A concussion may not be immediately obvious following a car accident or sports injury. Look for the signs and symptoms below if you or a loved one has experienced any type of head trauma.
- Loss of consciousness immediately after the injury
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Severe headache or headache that won’t go away
- Fatigue or drowsiness
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. Any of the above symptoms can be related to something less serious, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Multiple treatment options exist for individuals who have suffered a concussion. These include rest and relaxation, which allow the brain to recover, as well as analgesics and anti-nausea medications, monitoring, and rehabilitative exercises. Following a concussion, the patient is typically advised to avoid sports, video games, excessive television and screen time, and too much socializing. Contact a Boston injury lawyer today if you or a loved one has experienced head trauma.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If you have suffered any type of head trauma, you may have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions were previously thought to be a mild form of TBI, however, new evidence shows that even one concussion can have a life-long impact. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our knowledgeable injury team has extensive experience with TBI cases, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your