If you have been in a car accident, you are at risk for post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is a pattern of symptoms that follow cranial impact or whiplash incidents. PCS symptoms include head, neck, and shoulder pain; headache; sleep disturbance; cognitive abnormalities; dizziness; and mood or personality changes. Most knowledgeable authorities consider the condition a neurologic disorder that may arise even if unconsciousness has not occurred. Since many of the symptoms associated with PCS are common or may be exacerbated by other disorders, there is considerable risk of misdiagnosis.
The question of the causes of PCS is under debate and remains controversial. Subjectivity of complaints complicates assessment and makes it difficult to determine the source of the symptoms. The prevailing view is that posttraumatic headaches probably reflect a set of factors that produce the wide-ranging set of symptoms including cognitive, psychological, and behavioral disturbances, and pain. Additionally, direct or indirect injury to the neck, jaw, or tissues of the scalp may play a role in the development of many of the headache and other painful symptoms.
In 1992, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems established a set of diagnostic criteria for PCS In order to meet this criteria, a patient must have experienced a head injury and then developed at least three of the eight symptoms outlined by the organization. About 38% of people who suffer a head injury with symptoms of concussion and no evidence of brain lesions meet these criteria. However, no definition of PCS is accepted by all health professionals, leading many people to question the legitimacy of the condition and often clouding treatment processes.
Most people with PCS recover with rest and minimizing stress. Symptoms are treated as they arise. For example, pain medications are prescribed for those with headache. Behavioral and mental health symptoms are handled by specialists such as a neurologist or psychiatrist, and antidepressants may be recommended. Education about long-term health consequences is also recommended to alleviate stress. These are real concerns for sufferers and accident victims require considerable care to navigate these difficult paths.
Unfortunately, insurance companies question the legitimacy PCS since they believe that sufferers embellish or falsify symptoms in order to bolster litigation claims. Our professional experience and other data do not support the premise that protracted cases are driven by litigation-related motives or other non-physiologic circumstances.
At Florida Trial MD, we have experience working with many victims of car accidents who experience legitimate PCS symptoms. We deal daily with the bias and cynicism of insurance companies and our expertise allows our clients to recover the highest monetary settlements and jury awards for their suffering. If you or someone you love is an accident victim suffering from PCS, please contact us online or call 407-244-1212 for a free consultation with our professional staff.
