The Law Offices of James M. Freeman, P.C.

 News this weekend of Dave Duerson's suicide should make people think about the long term effects of head injuries.  Even before I heard about his death I had intended to write a blog about the lack of understanding most people have regarding the long term effects of concussions and head injuries. 

Chris Nowinski is a Harvard educated former pro-wrestler who, after suffering a few concussions, found out he was suffering from post concussive syndrome and is at risk for future chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).  Since that time, Nowinski wrote the book, "Head Games: Football's Concussion Crises."

I include this link in my blog to illustrate that concussions are not necessarily transient injuries.  Research shows that every time one suffers a concussion they are at an increased risk to suffer future concussions.  Further, the damage done by a concussion is often not immediately apparent, and it may only manifest itself years after the initial trauma.

Pedestrians and cyclists struck by automobiles are often knocked unconscious.  Concussions are very common in pedestrian knock down cases becuase pedestrians often hit their head on the pavement.  Cyclists, on the other hand, often wear helmets, but helmet use alone doesn't seem to me to be the determining factor of whether or not a collision will result in a concussion or head injury.  In my experience, the higher the speed of the car the more likely the victim will suffer a head injury regardless of helmet use.  Having said that, in low speed impacts helmets appear to be effective at reducing the probability of head injuries. 

Being knocked unconscious is a sure sign of a concussion, and any loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.  Having dealt with a number of cases in which clients suffered traumatic brain injuries, it is my personal experience that people who suffer traumatic brain injuries are never quite the same. 

See Chris Nowinski's interview from Fresh Air here.