Photo: Unsplash
Manchester, January 2026 – Coulthursts, law specialists in brain injury compensation claims, have developed a new online questionnaire to help people recognise lingering symptoms that could be linked to a previous concussion injury, a problem affecting thousands who are told they’re fine after being discharged from hospitals.
Each year, over one million people attend emergency departments in England and Wales after a head injury, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Most are classed as “mild” and sent home, but research shows that many continue to experience symptoms months later.
Almost half of people still have symptoms six months after injury
A University of Cambridge study found that almost half (45%) of people with a concussion still show symptoms six months after injury, even when scans appear normal. Nationwide research also shows that around three in ten patients are unable to return to work a year after their head injury, highlighting the long-term effects of so-called “mild” trauma.
Five minutes to check if your symptoms could be linked to concussion
To help people understand whether ongoing problems such as headaches, memory issues, poor sleep, or mood changes could be connected to a previous head injury, Coulthursts have launched the Post Concussion Symptom Checker; a simple, five-minute online questionnaire.
Based on a clinically recognised tool already used by doctors and brain injury specialists, it is designed for public use – not as a diagnosis, but as a way for people to better understand their symptoms and seek further medical advice if needed.
“Many people are discharged from A&E after a head injury without realising that symptoms can last far longer than expected and severely affect their quality of life,” said Philip Coulthurst, Managing Director at Coulthursts.
One of Coulthursts’ recent cases was Emma Rowell from Barnard Castle, who suffered 22 areas of brain damage following a 2021 car crash. Despite this, after initial hospital scans and assessment, she was told her injuries were minor and sent home.
“Emma struggled with severe dizziness, altered perception, and difficulty concentrating while reading, which is especially distressing as she is a bookshop owner. Only with our support did she undergo an advanced brain scan at the University of York, which revealed the true extent of her injuries. Emma is a living example of an overlooked mild traumatic brain injury,” added Coulthurst.
“We want people to know they have every legal right to make their health a priority — and to seek compensation if they’ve been affected by a head injury,” added Coulthurst.
The questionnaire is available online at
https://coulthursts.co.uk/post-concussion-symptom-checker/
