Depression Common After Head Injuries - Personal Injury Lawyer Free Consultation

Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries. While some injuries are minor and require minimal medical treatment, others are serious and require prolonged and extensive treatment. Unfortunately, some victims are not able to recover completely after the injury, and have to live with some symptoms of the injury for years or even for the rest of their life. This is especially true for car accident victims who suffer head injuries or spinal cord injuries.

People who suffer traumatic brain injury in a car accident often have to face some long term consequences even after the injuries have healed. Depression is a common symptom from a brain injury. While many people may not think of it as a particularly serious condition, the reality is that depression can have devastating effects on the life of the victim.

Symptoms of Depression 

Depression is the most common and frequently treated psychiatric disorder. Those who suffer from depression may experience a variety of symptoms. Some people may suffer from mild and persistent depression, a condition known as dysthymia. Such patients often experience:

• appetite disturbance

• sleep disorder

• problems in concentration

• fatigue

In some ways, depression can mimic a physical illness.

A patient is known to have major depression when there is loss of interest or pleasure in all or nearly all activities and remains in a depressed mood for a time period of at least two weeks. Unlike dysthymia, the symptoms of major depression represent a significant change from the precious level of functioning. Also, these symptoms persist throughout the day, every day.

Those who suffer from major depression experience more severe physical disturbances compared to those who suffer from dysthymia. They may experience changes in sleep, weight, energy and activity. These patients generally have a sense of guilt and hopelessness and may develop suicidal tendencies.

Victims who have suffered closed head injuries in a car accident may have difficulty concentrating and thinking. This cognitive impairment is one of the most serious concerns, and may mimic depression. The doctors are able to diagnose major depressive episode if they are unable to establish that an organic factor such as a closed head injury has caused the disturbance. Many physicians and neuropsychologists are unable to recognize the role of major depression in causing cognitive impairment in a person who has suffered a mild head injury. The symptoms of major depressive episode such as distractibility, inattentiveness, and poor concentration are also common in patients of post concussion syndrome. So, extreme caution should exercise before concluding that depression is due to trauma induced change in brain tissue.

If you or someone close to you has sustained a head injury in a car accident, and are suffering from depression. You may be able to claim financial compensation both for your physical injury and the psychiatric condition. An experienced Chicago car accident attorney may be able to help you make a successful claim. Call  (312) 957-4166 for a Personal Injury Lawyer Free Consultation with a top-rated personal injury attorney at Willens Law Offices.