Post-concussion syndrome (PCS), or post-concussive syndrome, refers to the lingering symptoms following a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This condition is typically diagnosed when a person who has recently experienced a head injury continues to feel certain symptoms following a concussion. These include:
dizziness
fatigue
headaches
Post-concussion syndrome can begin to occur within days of a head injury. However, it can sometimes take weeks for the symptoms to appear.
Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome
In general, post-concussion syndrome follows the occurrence of an injury or trauma to the head. Not all people who suffer mild traumatic head injury experience post-concussion syndrome. This syndrome may be worse in people who have had previous concussions or head trauma. It may also be more severe in those who have early symptoms of headache after injury, or who have mental changes such as amnesia, fogginess or fatigue. Other risk factors include younger age and prior history of headaches. Women and older patients appear to be more susceptible to the development of post-concussion symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for Post Concussion Syndrome focuses on providing symptom relief to help a person manage the condition. Rest is one of the most important components of PCS treatment as it allows the brain to recover and heal from a concussion.
Where possible, doctors often avoid using medication to treat PCS symptoms because an injury to the head can make the brain more sensitive to drug use and possible side effects.
Doctors may advise people to wait several weeks before starting an active treatment, such as an exercise plan or another type of therapy. In addition, suffering multiple concussions in short span of time can significantly worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
People can try a range of different therapies that may help their recovery from PCS. For all of these therapies, a person will work with a medical professional who will monitor their progress and can adjust the treatment plan as necessary to suit them.
Diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Since symptoms can be vague and attributable to other reasons, it can be difficult to diagnose post-concussion syndrome. There is no definitive test for post-concussion syndrome. Diagnosis is mainly based on a history of head injury and reported symptoms. A physical exam, and perhaps a CT or MRI scan of the head, may be done to evaluate symptoms. Other tests may be given to rule out other causes of symptoms, such as infection, bleeding injury to the brain, or poisoning.
PCS can cause an increased risk of depression. If someone has a preexisting health condition, such as depression or migraine, concussion and PCS may make it worse.
If post-concussion syndrome is causing people to feel unsteady, they may be more at risk for repeated injuries. Multiple concussions can result in damage to the brain, potentially leading to depression and changes in behavior or personality.
To help prevent further injury to the head, people should avoid any activity or exercise that could result in a second concussion and complications. People who play sport should wait until they recover from symptoms before continuing.
