I attended a recent conference in Phoenix, Safeguarding Brains: The Law, Science & Ethics of the Concussive Injury Epidemic.
There are victims of concussions in numerous situations, including motor vehicle crashes, sports, domestic violence and as a result of injuries suffered by soldiers.
Research has documented that a concussion may occur after a blow to the head, loss of consciousness is not required for there to be a diagnosis of concussion or post concussive syndrome.
Post concussive syndrome symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, loss of concentration and memory, anxiety, irritability and noise and light sensitivity.
Symptoms are usually not persistent and long term, however in some cases physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms can be permanent.
At the conference, former New York Giant football player Harry Carson eloquently described his struggles with long term post concussive syndrome symptoms, and how this has also affected many other NFL players.