A concussion is a transient disruption in normal brain function as a result of a mild traumatic brain injury. This injury is often due to a violent jolt, bump, or hit to the head that causes it to jerk forward, side-to-side, or backwards. When concussion happens, there are often no physical signs.
You may look fine and even talk clearly. However, there are lingering problems, like headache and confusion, termed post-concussion symptoms that people can’t see and get in the way of your day-to-day life. So, how do you navigate an invisible disability such as post-concussion symptoms?
Fortunately, concussion is a well-acknowledged medical condition. This article discusses how to deal with the invisible disability.
Here’s what you will learn:
- What a post concussion is
- How post concussion evaluations are performed
- If you qualify for a disability post concussion
- What the legal protection for post-concussion disability is
- How to manage post concussion symptoms
What Is A Post Concussion Condition?
A post concussion condition refers to lingering symptoms that often persist weeks to months after a concussion has occurred. As already stated, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury as a result of a violent jolt, hit, or bump to the head. The symptoms that follow this event often interfere with daily activities such as reading, working, and other activities long after the physical injury has subsided.
These symptoms can range from benign issues, such as headaches, to more dire complications like loss of consciousness. Here’s a list of the common post concussion symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Trouble understanding and/or concentrating
- Depression/sadness
- Brain fog
- Difficulty paying attention
- Memory loss
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Balance problems/dizziness
- Ringing in the ears/Tinnitus
- Double vision or blurry vision
How Are Post Concussion Evaluations Performed?
Most post-concussion symptoms are neurological and cognitive. Hence, diagnosis is not made based on the standard imaging test and scans. The evaluation, instead, relies on clinical evidence and assessing function. Post-concussion evaluation often test for:
- Alertness
- Memory
- Ability to recall information
- Vision
- Concentration
- Problem-solving
- Hearing
- Reflexes
- Balance and coordination
The tests used for this procedure include: Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Military Acute Concussion Evaluation, Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5, and Post-concussion Symptom Scale.
Can You Qualify for A Disability After A Concussion?
Yes, you can, despite post-concussion symptoms often being invisible. However, you need to know that the approval depends on factors such as documentation and symptoms and not necessarily the injury label alone. The questions most evaluators ask are:
- How well can you perform your job duties?
- What are some of the medical documentation you have need of?
- How chronic is your disability, and is it on the disabling impairment list?
What is the Legal Protection for Post-Concussion Disability?
If your post-concussion symptoms include functional deficits, you are entitled to specific provisions under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, you are legally protected against discrimination in offices, schools, and public services. What this means is, your employer can’t refuse you employment or strip it from you on the basis of your condition as it is not immediately obvious. The Americans with Disabilities Act also states that those with disabilities are entitled to perks, like flexible work hours, that enable them to perform at their best.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also protects you. You have access to programs that offer financial assistance and provide federal employment. There is also the Fair Housing Act that focuses on giving reasonable accommodation to those living with disabilities.
How to Manage Post-Concussion Symptoms with Confidence
Living with post-concussion symptoms can be frustrating and challenging. But there are better ways to navigate the situation. Employ the following tips:
- Get a detailed evaluation report from a reputable health facility.
- Monitor your symptoms consistently over time.
- Be clear about your limitations to those around you i.e., employer.
- Ask for support if your claim is being rejected.
Conclusion
A concussion might be invisible, but its effects are very real. To get the protection and attention you deserve for post-concussion conditions, several documentations and evaluations are required.
At DisabilityDocOnline.com, we are fully aware of the frustration and the overwhelming nature of the process. Hence, we provide support as we assess your claims, offer thorough online disability evaluation, and help you with the necessary documentation.