There is no controversy that early intervention following mild traumatic brain injury changes the short term outcome and in some cases prevents ongoing significant adjustment problems associated with post-concussive syndrome.
Symptoms following a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury in the early days to a few weeks consist of headaches, insomnia, decreased speed of thinking and concentration, fatigue, and dizziness. These symptoms clear in a majority of patients over time, but in many cases continue to persist.
Studies show that early intervention with timely, frequent follow up, and education on various strategies including rest, coping skills, and reassurance regarding how long it will take these symptoms to go away, helps with recovery.
Unfortunately, nearly all patients with mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions (when there are no other significant injuries) are not hospitalized. Twenty five percent of patients are not even assessed by a doctor within 24 hours of injury. Others do not seek medical attention because they don’t have medical insurance, have difficulty receiving insurance authorization for mild head injury, are unclear or concerned about fault in motor vehicle accidents, or are confused about uninsured motor policies and no-fault insurance.
From my experience as a Board Certified Rehabilitation Specialist, early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes. Identification of associated problems including cervical disc herniation, occipital neuralgia, and soft tissue injuries with symptomatic treatment of the post-concussive syndrome and education leads to better outcomes. Timely physical therapy involving traction, cognitive rehabilitation, therapeutic modalities, and short trials of chiropractic manipulation may benefit. Early diagnostic testing and therapeutic injections including trigger point injections, facet injections, and epidural steroid injections all should be considered in appropriate patients.
From a legal standpoint, The Law Office of Greg Vigna, MD JD believes in early intervention with active case management to follow a client through the medical process to ensure they receive the care they deserve. The goal of legal representation and securing a head injury lawyer is maximum compensation following injury with the client receiving all reasonable and necessary medical care to achieve the best functional and medical outcome from an injury.
Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Personal Injury Attorney
Certified Life Care Planner
