Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or a year or more after a concussion – a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI).[1][2][3] About 15% of individuals with a history of a single concussion develop persistent symptoms associated with the injury. A diagnosis may be made when symptoms resulting from concussion last for more than three months after the injury. Loss of consciousness is not required for a diagnosis of concussion or post-concussion syndrome.
Though there is no specific treatment for PCS, symptoms can be improved with medications and physical and behavioral therapy. Education about symptoms and details about expectation of recovery are important. The majority of PCS cases resolve after a period of time.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PCS can include:
headaches
dizziness
fatigue
increased sensitivity to light
increased sensitivity to noise
irritability
changes in emotional state, such as becoming more susceptible to stress
depression
anxiety
difficulty concentrating
memory problems
difficulty sleeping
increased intolerance to alcohol
change in appetite
Many of these symptoms overlap with those of other medical conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.
Causes and risk factors
Research suggests that the cause of PCS is damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter is tissue in the brain comprising nerve fibers. Damage to this tissue can affect pathways between the brain and the rest of the body, which can create the range of symptoms that people experience with PCS. Certain groups are more at risk of PCS than others, including females, older adults, and people with a history of:
concussion
seizures
learning, mood, or anxiety disorders
migraine headaches
Athletes and people serving in the military may also be more at risk of PCS because they have a higher risk of concussion or traumatic brain injury. According to a report, between 2 million and 4 million sports-related concussions occur in the United States each year. Athletes are also more prone to repeat concussions.
Treatment
Treatment for PCS 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.
