Post Concussion Syndrome
Overview
Post-concussion syndrome (also referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms) can be defined as the condition whereby concussion symptoms persist beyond the normal expected recovery period after a head injury.
Most concussion symptoms for mild concussions disappear within 7-10 days. When a concussion’s symptoms last weeks or months, it may indicate the person is suffering from post-concussion syndrome.
A person with PCS can experience concussion-like symptoms at any time whether at rest or after some type of physical or cognitive activity. Ongoing and persistent symptoms will often prevent a person from engaging in their physical, professional, and social activities.
Most Common Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Most research suggests that the primary cause of post-concussion syndrome is damage to white matter in the brain. White matter is brain tissue that contains nerve fibers. It is believed that post-concussion syndrome is caused by some kind of structural damage or a disruption of the messaging system within the nerves in the brain.
A head injury resulting in a concussion is viewed as the most common root cause of post-concussion syndrome. Concussions can be the result of:
- Car accidents
- Slips and falls
- Blows to the head while playing sports
- Seizures
Others believe that post-concussion syndrome is caused by psychological factors. The most common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sleeping problems
These symptoms are similar to those often experienced by people diagnosed with chronic depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, why some people develop PCS and others do not is still unknown. Further research is required to better understand how and why post-concussion symptoms persist after some injuries and not others.
In a lot of cases, it is a combination of both brain trauma and emotional factors that contribute to the development of the symptoms of PCS.
What Are the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Symptoms of PCS will vary depending on the individual. A person’s sex and age can also be factors. There are a large variety of symptoms to be considered when diagnosing PCS.
Dr. Robert Cantu – Medical Director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation – places the large variety of PCS symptoms into four distinct “baskets”. One of these is referred to as a cognitive basket. This means the person experiences difficulty with memory, attention, and focus. These are essential functions we need to do schoolwork, to read/study, or to concentrate on work.
Another basket includes the spectrum of sleeping dysfunctions. This ranges from sleeping too much, not enough, having trouble falling asleep, or frequent sleep interruption.
A third basket is associated with mood or behavioral symptoms. After receiving a concussion, one can experience heightened irritability or losing one’s temper more easily. It can also be that a patient that was not previously anxious or depressed begins to experience anxiety or depression.
Lastly, the biggest basket of symptoms comprises the physical symptoms. These include headache, neck pain, light-headedness, dizziness, as well as increased sensitivity to either light or noise.
There’s no single way to diagnose PCS. A physician may request an MRI or CT scan to make sure there is no significant brain dysfunction.
Are There Conditions That Mirror These Symptoms?
PCS can be difficult to diagnose because of the large variety of common symptoms. These symptoms may overlap with a variety of other conditions. There are many conditions that exhibit some combination of the symptoms listed above.
In fact, the WebMD symptom checker offers up dozens of possibilities. (external link?)
Some of the most common conditions which mirror PCS, like chronic depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, are associated with psychological factors. Other conditions with similar symptoms like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) arise from some kind of physical trauma.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is the term used to describe brain degeneration caused by repeated head traumas. It is a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by head impacts.
Other conditions with very similar sets of symptoms, like fibromyalgia, can be triggered by either physical or emotional stress, Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by musculoskeletal pain and is accompanied by fatigue, sleep dysfunction, memory problems, and mood swings. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population.
Again it is important to note that in many cases, it is often brain trauma combined with emotional factors that contribute to the development of the symptoms that mirror the various symptoms of PCS.
Treatment Options for Post-Concussion Syndrome in Florida
In Florida, after being diagnosed with PCS, some medications may be prescribed for those with headaches or depression. The patient should connect with someone who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders, a neurologist, or a brain rehabilitation specialist, like a psychiatrist.
Although treatment in Florida for PCS is initially directed at providing symptom relief to help a person manage their recovery, rest is often a crucial factor in treating PCS. Resting the body allows the brain to recover and heal. However, relying primarily on rest is rarely a sufficient route to reach full recovery.
In most cases, the best initial post-concussion syndrome treatment is education. Most PCS patients will likely experience anxiety about their long-term health. A PCS patient needs to be reassured that with the correct treatment, their symptoms typically improve over a few weeks and can be resolved within a few months.
No single treatment exists for PCS and every person is unique. A patient needs a specialist that will treat the symptoms specific to them. If you experience anxiety and depression, you should be referred to a mental health professional for treatment. If you have memory issues, you may benefit from cognitive therapy.
There are clinics in Florida that specialize in treating the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. The right professional care will help you to put trust in yourself and allow you to rest assured that you will eventually feel better and regain control of your life, especially if you work with an experienced PCS medical professional.
The list of therapy in PCS treatment is a spectrum covering such areas as cognitive behavioral therapy for mood-related PCS, neuro-optometric rehabilitation for visual deficits and dizziness, physical therapy for pains in the body, and exertion therapy for stress and anxiety. Pain medication and dietary supplements may also be included in your recovery regimen. One or more specialists in PCS will help you design the correct recipe for success specific to you.
Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is not typically required to treat patients with post-concussion syndrome. However, in cases of a severe injury that caused PCS, such as traumatic brain injury, surgery may be needed.
Emergency surgery may be used to help relieve pressure in the brain and repair skull and soft tissue damage. Fortunately, our very own Dr. Neil Brown specializes in treating patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
Recovery Time for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Recovery time for those diagnosed with PCS will be unique to each individual.
Sometimes patients begin to feel better right away and can resume their everyday routine without difficulty. Others may need weeks or many months to transition back to their previous lifestyle. The seriousness of your injury, your age, genetics, and daily routine are all factors that play a role in recovery time.
Schedule A Consultation
If you or a loved one has experienced a post-concussion accident with lingering and debilitation symptoms that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment, it is of the utmost importance that you schedule a consultation with a neurosurgeon. Brain damage can lead to life-long complications, disability, and death if left untreated.
The board-certified neurosurgeons at Florida Surgery Consultants have years of experience treating patients suffering from PCS. Our staff will work with you to find the best treatment for your condition. Fill out the form on the right side of this page or call us at 888-411-6824 to schedule a consultation today.