Post Concussion Syndrome

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome occur if an individual continues to have concussion symptoms months or years after sustaining a minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or another kind of brain trauma. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can be quite debilitating. You may want to know how long recovery takes, whether what you’re experiencing is normal, and what to do to relieve symptoms.

In this article you will read about the most common signs and symptoms of post-concussion syndrome including:

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Common Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Common Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Treatment Options for Post-Concussion Syndrome

How To Improve Recovery from PCS

Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

A person that experiences persistent symptoms for three months or longer after a concussion is said to have post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms of concussion usually go away in a matter of two weeks. If they persist longer you may be diagnosed with PCS. You could have headaches, fatigue, sleep trouble, memory issues, vision changes, and more. Patients who suffer from these PCS symptoms often experience them at rest or following excessive physical or cognitive activity, forcing them to withdraw from normal physical, work, and social activities. People with PCS may develop it after experiencing a concussive event such as a fall, car accident, football contact, etc. Many patients suffer symptoms of concussion without a direct hit or loss of consciousness; some patients will also suffer symptoms of concussion from whiplash.

Common Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome

You might not experience the same symptoms at the beginning of your injury as you do later on. It may be that you find that the initial confusion that occurs after a brain injury, goes away but exercise becomes more challenging.There is a possibility that your symptoms may differ from the norm, or they might not.

In most cases, it is still treatable. PCS Symptoms include:

Post traumatic headaches
Functional vision problems and light sensitivity
Sleep with post-concussion syndrome
Post-concussion fatigue
Difficulty exercising post-concussion
Brain fog and PCS
Nausea
Difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, and attention-deficit disorder
Blood pressure changes
Memory loss, short-term memory problems, and long-term memory problems
Feeling hot, cold, or fevered
Difficulty balancing, vertigo, and other vestibular symptoms
Heart rate changes and palpitations
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Intolerance of caffeine or alcohol

It has been found that there are connections between the cerebral cortex and the limbic system. Damage to the cerebral cortex can affect perception, cognition, memory, and awareness. The effects of a concussion are often harmful to mental wellbeing.

Mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are linked to brain injury. A mild head injury can lead to emotional distress and cognitive impairment. Moreover, an injury alters how the brain interprets and processes information.

Psychological factors can also raise the intensity of other, non-emotional symptoms like sleep problems and headaches, in addition to making it harder for someone to know and convey what they are feeling to others.

Treatment Options for Post-Concussion Syndrome

A single treatment for PCS does not exist. Your doctor will treat your specific symptoms. In the event you experience anxiety and depression, your doctor might recommend treatment by a mental health professional.If you have memory issues, they may suggest cognitive therapy.

Antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and anti-epileptic drugs that are commonly used for migraine and tension type headaches, appear to be effective for post-concussion headaches.You and your doctor will discuss which medications are most appropriate for you.Keep in mind that pain relievers, whether over-the-counter or prescription, may cause the headaches to persist.

Memory and Cognitive Problems. Currently, no medication is specifically recommended for treating cognitive difficulties following mild traumatic brain injuries.Cognitive problems typically go away on their own in the weeks and months following the injury. Some cognitive therapies, including focused rehabilitation, are beneficial, as they give you training in specific areas that need to improve. Cognitive symptoms can be aggravated by stress, and learning stress management strategies can help to decrease them. Relaxation may also help.

Depression and Anxiety. People with persistent post-concussive symptoms often get better after they discover the cause of their symptoms and that treatment is likely to improve the symptoms as well. A better understanding of the disorder can ease a person’s fears and help give them peace of mind. Treatment options for depression or anxiety after a concussion include psychotherapy, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications.

How To Improve Recovery from PCS

You should always consult your doctor if you suspect a concussion. They can determine the severity of your concussion and give you specific recovery tips. In the meantime, you can use these tips to fast track your recovery from a concussion and return to your usual activities.

Reduce Screen Time. The eye strain caused by bright lights makes concussion symptoms worse, especially headaches. While recovering, limit how much time you spend with your phone, laptop, TV, etc. Sleep problems from concussions can also be countered by avoiding screen time two hours before bedtime.

Stay Hydrated. Concussion risk may be increased by dehydration. So staying hydrated might be a good idea while you are recovering. Hydration is also important to your general health, particularly while you are healing.

Rest. Recovering from a concussion by resting may be of the utmost importance. Getting plenty of sleep helps you reduce your stress level as well as help your body recover. For the first week or two, you should avoid strenuous exercise. If you wish to continue exercising, keep it light. Try walking if you are accustomed to running. Try avoiding heavy lifting for the next week.

Avoid Unnecessary Movement of the Head and Neck. You should try to avoid anything that makes your head or neck jostle around. These motions are what cause a concussion in the first place, so it helps your brain to recuperate when you minimize them. Some of these motions are unavoidable, but steer clear of roller coasters and physical activity for a while.

Eat More Protein. According to a studyTrusted Source, branch chain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are shown to improve mental alertness and performance after a concussion. While you are recovering, make sure you eat as much protein as possible. Meats, beans, nuts, and fish are all great sources of branched-chain amino acids.

Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3s. Studies have also demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids improve both cognition and neuron recovery in mice with concussions. Additionally, they’re good for your health, so there are countless benefits for consuming them. Fish, including salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, and chia seeds are rich in omega-3s. To increase omega-3 intake, you can also take fish oil supplements.

Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist

If you or a family member has experienced a concussion with long-term and debilitating symptoms that do not respond to other forms of treatment, it is important that you schedule a consultation with a TBI specialist. When left untreated, brain damage can cause life-long complications, disability, and death. At Florida Surgery Consultants we currently have Neurosurgeons on staff that specialize in treating traumatic brain injuries. Patients are seen at all seven of our Florida locations by our Surgeons.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Neil Brown is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and has received three “Patient’s Choice” awards. She is also fellowship-trained in Neurosurgical Oncology at the Univ. of South Florida. Dr. Jain has been nominated for the Physician-of-the-Year at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is a published author and holds a patent on Brain Mapping. With her expertise in Neurosurgery, she combines it with alternative approaches in treating traumatic brain injuries.