Persisting Symptoms after Concussion
To be honest, we don't like the term "post-concussion syndrome." The word "syndrome" implies that we don't understand what causes post-concussion symptoms, when in reality, we do - Alina Fong PhD
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Persisting Symptoms after Concussion (PSaC)
While post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is the term many people still use, the new term used by researchers and clinicians is persisting symptoms after concussion (PSaC). The reason for the change is that each person who sustains a concussion will have a different combination of symptoms. In contrast, “syndrome” means a group of symptoms that always occur together.
Featured
For an unlucky 10% of people with concussion, the symptoms may be long-lasting
We understand how to diagnose and treat concussion in the short term, but we’re yet to uncover how to best assist people with persistent post-concussion symptoms to return to leading productive lives.
Articles of Interest
A Complete Guide to Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome, also known as persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), occurs when concussion symptoms persist for months or years after you sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or another type of brain trauma.
A Multidimensional Approach to Post-concussion Symptoms in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) presents a substantial burden to patients, families, and health care systems. Whereas, recovery can be expected in the majority of patients, a subset continues to report persisting somatic, cognitive, emotional, and/or behavioral problems, generally referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). However, this term has been the subject of debate since the mechanisms underlying post-concussion symptoms and the role of pre- and post-injury-related factors are still poorly understood.
After a concussion, the brain may no longer make sense of sounds
Most athletes recover from a concussion in a week or two, Kraus says. For those with lingering symptoms, she's experimenting with something called rhythm therapy, which has its roots in dancing.
My muddled brain: A fall, a concussion, and weeks of confusion
In most patients with concussions, symptoms resolve within 10 days, but they can last weeks or months or even a year in some cases. Each and every doctor has told me that the brain is the slowest organ to heal. It requires rest. It takes time. How much more time for me? No one can say.
Post-Concussion Syndrome and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Narrative Review on the Neuropathology, Neuroimaging and Fluid Biomarkers
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a sequela of minor brain injury. Although about 29–90% of patients may experience PCS after a head injury, its etiology is unclear. Despite that no universally accepted definition of PCS exists, it is generally accepted as the development of at least three of the following symptoms: headache, fatigue, irritability, dizziness, and balance issues, affected sleep, poor memory and concentration, and increased sensitivity to light and noise
Post-Concussion Syndrome Tests: Know If You Have PCS
... we cover five common diagnostic methods: the SCAT5, CT scans, MRI scans, qEEGs, and baseline testing. We’ll also highlight and explain which practices we think are best.
Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment: Therapy & Medications
In post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a patient with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) experiences persistent symptoms from the injury. If left untreated, the symptoms might last months, years, or even decades after the event.
Reframing postconcussional syndrome as an interface disorder of neurology, psychiatry and psychology
This update considers the need for a multi-dimensional approach for the heterogenous mechanisms driving persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury.
Resources
Complete Concussions
Prolonged Concussion Symptoms, formerly known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), create a complex clinical picture that requires a specially-trained and experienced concussion clinician to solve. As the largest global provider of concussion treatment and rehabilitation, Complete Concussions certified clinicians are ready to help find the root-cause of lingering symptoms.
StatPearls
A few common symptoms seen in patients with postconcussive syndrome include headache, fatigue, vision changes, disturbances in balance, confusion, dizziness, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Approximately 90 percent of concussion symptoms are transient, and symptoms typically resolve within 10 to 14 days. However, symptoms may linger for weeks. Persistent postconcussive syndrome occurs when symptoms persist beyond 3 months.
