TBI FAQ: Can a Concussion Cause Breathing Problems?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a serious medical concern that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and cognitive functions. Among the various types of TBIs, concussions are the most common.
While concussions are generally considered to be milder forms of brain injury, they can lead to a range of complications that extend beyond the initial symptoms. One such complication that often raises questions is whether a concussion can cause breathing problems.
A skilled personal injury attorney may help you answer this question and its relation to personal injury claims, discussing how concussions can impact breathing and what you should know if you or a loved one has suffered from such injuries. For more information regarding personal injury and TBIs, reach out to Brooks Law Office in Savannah, Georgia.
What Is a Concussion?
Before diving into the specifics of whether a concussion can cause breathing problems, it’s important to understand what a concussion is. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is subjected to sudden force or impact.
This may result from a blow to the head, a fall, a car accident, or any other incident that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull.
Concussions can disrupt normal brain function and lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Headaches
Dizziness
Confusion
Memory problems
Sensitivity to light and noise
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
While these symptoms are more commonly associated with concussions, breathing problems are less frequently discussed. However, for some individuals, respiratory issues can indeed arise after a concussion.
Can Concussions Cause Breathing Problems?
The short answer is yes, a concussion can potentially cause breathing problems, though it’s not a common or widely recognized symptom. Understanding how this happens requires a deeper look into how concussions affect the brain and the body.
Brainstem Involvement
A concussion could lead to breathing problems if the injury affects the brainstem, a region at the base of the brain responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate and breathing.
Though concussions typically involve the brain’s outer areas, in some cases, the force of the injury may extend to deeper brain structures like the brainstem.
When the brainstem is affected, it can interfere with the body’s ability to control automatic processes, including respiration. Individuals may experience shallow breathing, shortness of breath, or even difficulty maintaining a normal breathing rhythm.
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
Another potential cause of breathing problems after a concussion is autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. The ANS is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, including breathing.
A concussion can disrupt the ANS’s ability to regulate these functions properly, leading to irregular breathing patterns or difficulty catching your breath.
This condition is often referred to as dysautonomia and can manifest in several ways, including:
Rapid or shallow breathing (tachypnea)
Irregular breathing patterns
Shortness of breath, even during rest or light activity
While dysautonomia is more commonly associated with severe brain injuries, it can still occur in cases of concussion, particularly if the injury has caused significant disruption to the brain’s ability to regulate bodily functions.
Chest Trauma
In some cases, the breathing problems associated with a concussion may not be directly caused by the brain injury itself, but by related injuries to the chest, neck, or ribs.
For instance, if a person experiences a concussion as a result of a car accident or a fall, they may also sustain chest trauma, such as broken ribs, bruising, or other injuries that can impair breathing.
In these cases, it’s important to distinguish whether the breathing problems are a result of a brain injury or a secondary physical injury. Medical evaluation is critical in determining the root cause of breathing difficulties following a concussion.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
For some individuals, the effects of a concussion persist long after the initial injury in what is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is characterized by the continuation or development of symptoms for weeks or even months after the injury.
Although breathing problems are not a hallmark symptom of PCS, they can occur in conjunction with other issues such as fatigue, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
For example, a person suffering from anxiety or panic attacks as a result of PCS may experience shortness of breath or hyperventilation. Similarly, individuals with PCS-related sleep disorders may have irregular breathing patterns during sleep, such as sleep apnea.
Recognizing and Addressing Breathing Problems After a Concussion
If you or someone you know is experiencing breathing problems following a concussion, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Breathing difficulties can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue and should never be ignored.
Here are some important steps to take if you’re concerned about breathing problems after a concussion:
1. Consult a Medical Professional
The first step in addressing breathing problems is to consult with a healthcare provider. A medical professional can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether the breathing issues are related to the concussion or another condition.
Diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans (CT or MRI) or pulmonary function tests, may be conducted to assess the extent of the injury and identify any related issues.
2. Monitor Symptoms Closely
Breathing problems after a concussion may not appear immediately. It’s important to monitor symptoms closely in the days and weeks following the injury. If you notice any changes in breathing patterns, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Consider Specialist Care
In some cases, individuals with breathing difficulties after a concussion may benefit from seeing a specialist, such as a neurologist or a pulmonologist. These specialists can provide more in-depth evaluations and develop targeted treatment plans to address the specific issues related to your breathing and brain injury.
4. Follow a Treatment Plan
Treatment for breathing problems after a concussion will depend on the underlying cause. For instance, if the brainstem or ANS dysfunction is contributing to the breathing issues, treatment may involve medication, breathing exercises, or physical therapy.
In cases where chest trauma is involved, addressing the physical injury through rest, pain management, or surgery may be necessary.
Legal Considerations: Personal Injury and Concussion-Related Breathing Problems
When a concussion and its complications, including breathing problems, are the result of another party’s negligence—such as in a car accident, slip and fall, or sports-related injury—you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.
Here are some key factors to consider if you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit related to a concussion:
1. Proving Negligence
To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your concussion and subsequent breathing problems. This requires demonstrating that the other party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that their actions (or inaction) led to your injuries.
For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you would need to provide evidence that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and resulted in your concussion and breathing difficulties.
2. Documenting Medical Evidence
One of the most critical aspects of a personal injury claim is medical documentation. It’s essential to keep detailed records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and diagnoses related to your concussion and breathing problems. This documentation will serve as evidence of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
Be sure to keep records of any diagnostic tests, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and medications. Additionally, if your breathing problems have affected your ability to work or engage in regular activities, be sure to document these impacts as well.
3. Calculating Damages
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, known as damages. These damages can include:
Medical expenses: Compensation for all past and future medical bills related to your concussion and breathing problems, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn a living, you may be compensated for lost income.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury and its complications.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your breathing problems and other symptoms have reduced your ability to engage in daily activities or hobbies, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Consult an Attorney
If your TBI could have been prevented and you feel as though compensation is due, reach out to Brooks Law Office. We’re proud to find justice for the people of Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding areas of Effingham and Liberty Counties. Give us a call today to get started with a free consultation.