Until only recently, Ontario’s healthcare professionals were without a widely accepted, comprehensive guideline for treating anyone who struggled to recover from mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). All too frequently, concussion sufferers experience troubling symptoms long after they should have begun moving on with their life. Now, thanks to a new guideline, healthcare professionals are better equipped to address these lingering issues.
In 2011 the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF), a non-profit organization working in the field of issues related to brain and spinal cord injuries, released a standardized framework called Guidelines for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms. The document came about as a way to bring consistency to diagnosis and care, where previously there was none.
According to the Guideline, when MTBI symptoms persist after three months (the normal recovery period) the individual may be dealing with post-concussion syndrome. This can result in dizziness, fatigue, an intolerance to noise, irritability and difficulties with memory and intellectual tasks, among many other symptoms.
Lingering symptoms exist in 10 to 15 percent of cases, says the ONF. Considering the high rate of concussions in sports, car accidents, slips and falls and many other areas, it is not difficult to imagine a significant number of people being negatively affected; for example, struggling to get back to work and caring for dependants.
While every brain injury is different, the ONF’s Guideline provides a reliable reference point for doctors and healthcare professionals and should help in patients’ recovery from MTBI. It should also help catch more incidences of concussions and post-concussion symptoms, which might otherwise go undiagnosed.
At Horowitz Injury Law, we understand the many difficult challenges faced by sufferers of traumatic brain injury. You can learn more about our extensive experience or schedule a free consultation at www.horowitzinjurylaw.com.
