Report on concussions: Three important findings

Medical advances have given us the opportunity to learn more about how the brain works. One realization in recent years is the vast impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Studies have brought attention to the fact that these injuries are more dangerous than we once thought.

We now know that TBIs can result in symptoms that last weeks, months and even years after the initial accident that resulted in the injury. We know that these injuries can also increase the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s later in life.

Based on this information, additional studies have been conducted to help gather more information about these injuries. A recent report by BlueCross BlueShield dug into the number of injuries reported throughout the country. Here are three of the more striking findings from the report:

• The concussion rate has increased. Concussion diagnoses for all ages increased by 43 percent between the years of 2010 and 2015.
• The rates for teens have spiked. Even more sobering: reports of concussions for those between the ages of 10 and 19 have increased by 71 percent during this same time period.
• Post-concussion syndrome is also on the rise. The report also found a doubling in the cases of post-concussion syndrome for all age groups. These numbers increased from 7.3 percent to 13.2 percent. Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder that lasts for weeks or months after the concussion that can include symptoms like headaches and dizziness.

Having this information can help you to protect yourself and your loved ones. Some of the most common causes of these injuries include car accidents and collisions during sporting events. Taking steps to reduce the risk of these injuries, like wearing seatbelts, driving safely, wearing helmets and encouraging safe game play, can help.

Unfortunately, even when these steps are taken accidents can happen. When an accident is the result of another’s negligent or reckless act, compensation may be available to help cover the costs that resulted from the accident. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and help better ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.