What is Post-Concussion Syndrome? Post-concussion syndrome is a collection of symptoms that some people develop after they have had concussion. It is a complication of concussion. Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can include headache, dizziness and memory and concentration problems. Symptoms usually clear within three months after the initial head injury. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can include:
Physical symptoms:
Headache. This is the most common symptom.
Dizziness. This may be accompanied by dizziness with a spinning sensation.
A feeling of sickness
Double, or blurred, vision.
Hearing loss and/or a ringing noise in the ears.
Reduced sense of smell and taste.
Problems tolerating bright light and loud noise.
Emotional and behavioural symptoms:
Being easily irritable and sometimes aggressive.
Feeling anxious easily.
Depression.
Having disturbed sleep and feeling tired.
Reduced sex drive.
Changes in your appetite.
Personality changes such as showing socially or sexually inappropriate behaviour.
Having a lack of energy and a lack of interest in things.
Having sudden outbursts of emotion
Difficulty remembering things.
Concentration and attention problems.
Slowed reaction times.
Problems processing information and problems reasoning.
Difficulty learning new things.
Not everyone with post-concussion syndrome will have all of the symptoms mentioned above. In general, for most people, symptoms of post-concussion syndrome only last for up to a few weeks. But for some people, the symptoms last longer and can last for three to six months or a year or more.
Treatment
Each person’s experience with PCS is different. There are usually multiple factors contributing to prolonged symptoms, so treatment varies. There is no specific treatment, but doctors can treat the individual symptoms that make up PCS.
Examples of treatment may include:
Exercise
Vestibular therapy
Neck therapy
Adjusting daily routines and sleep schedules
Modifications to the school day
Medications for headaches or pain
Counseling for anxiety and other mood disorders
Each year around 1 million people attend Accident and Emergency departments in the UK because of a blow to the head. Many more people who have a minor head injury will never seek medical care. One study showed that between 20 and 50 out of 100 people with a mild head injury had symptoms of post-concussion syndrome three months after the initial injury. About 1 in 10 people still have problems one year after the injury.
