Description

Persistent post-concussive symptoms are the symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury that usually last more than three months. Persistent post-concussive symptoms are also called post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and memory. The symptoms can last from weeks to months.

A mild traumatic brain injury is known as a contusion. A concussion can be caused by a fall, a car accident or contact sports injury. Other causes include violent shaking and movement of the head or the body.

You do not have to lose consciousness to get a concussion. And a concussion does not always cause symptoms of post-concussion. The risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms does not seem to be linked to how severe the injury was.

Persistent post-concussive symptoms in the majority of the people that appear within the first 7 to 10 days after the injury and usually lasts for more than three months. But sometimes they can last a year or more. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and improve functioning and quality of life.

Symptoms

Persistent post-concussive symptoms may be different in each person. They may include:

  • Headaches.
  • The dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much.
  • Lack of concentration and memory.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Blurred vision.
  • The noise and sensitivity to light.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • The neck pain.

Headaches after a concussion most often feel like a migraine. Headaches also can feel the tension-type headaches, which may be related to a neck injury that happened to him at the same time that the injury on the head.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health care professional if you experience a head injury that caused confusion, memory loss, changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden, severe headache. Get medical help, even if you have never lost consciousness. Also consult a health care professional if you lose the feeling, can't move a part of your body, or have difficulty speaking or writing.

If you get a concussion while playing a sport, don't go back into the game. Seek medical help for the injury does not get worse.

Causes

More research is needed to better understand how and why persistent post-concussive symptoms happen after some injuries and in some people but not in others.

Persistent post-concussive symptoms may be a direct result of the impact of the injury itself. Or the symptoms may be triggered by other conditions such as migraines. The symptoms can also be caused by other factors. These can include problems with sleep, dizziness, stress and mental health. Your healthcare professional will work with you to understand the cause of your symptoms, and treatments that can help.

Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of persistent post-concussive symptoms include:

  • Age. Persistent post-concussive symptoms are usually reported in people between the ages of 20 to 30. But studies also show that older adults are at risk for more severe and prolonged persistent post-concussive symptoms.
  • The sex assigned at birth. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with persistent post-concussive symptoms. But this may be because women are generally more likely to seek medical attention.
  • Anxiety. A story of anxiety, is a strong risk factor.
  • Before the headaches. People who have a history of headaches are at greater risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms.
  • Before the brain injury. A previous brain injury is linked to the persistence of post-concussive symptoms. But the duration of the symptoms can also occur after a concussion.

Prevention

The only known way to prevent persistent post-concussive symptoms is to avoid a head injury in the first place. You can't always prevent a head injury. But some tips to avoid them include:

  • Wear your seat belt. Safety belt every time you travel in an automobile or other motor vehicle.
  • Make sure that the children are in the right car seats for their ages. Children under 13 years of age are safest riding in the back seat, especially if your vehicle has air bags. From birth to 4 years of age, your car seats should face the rear. After overcoming his face to the back of the car seats and at least until the age of 5 years, you can face forward in the car seat. When children outgrow their forward-facing car seats, they must be moved to the buckle of child seats in the back seat. When the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat, which can be moved to the safety belts. This usually occurs between the ages of 9 and 12. All children 13 years of age and under should sit in the back seat.
  • Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, roller-skating or ice-skating, skiing, riding a motorcycle, skiing, snowboarding, or any activity that could cause a head injury. It is also a good idea to wear a helmet when riding a horse or playing football, baseball, or softball.
  • Get annual eye exams. This is very important for older adults because of vision problems can increase the risk of falls. If necessary, get new glasses or contacts.
  • Make your home safer. Remove small area rugs, improve the lighting, the installation of handrails and the use of safety gates for kids. The prevention of falls in older adults to talk with a health care provider about medications that may cause dizziness or affect the balance.

Diagnosis

There is not a single test can prove that you have persistent post-concussive symptoms. A health professional can begin with the decision of your full medical history and can use these tests to help determine your diagnosis:

  • A neurological exam. This includes tests of their thinking and memory, the senses, strength, coordination, and reflexes.
  • The neurological tests. These tests check your concentration, memory, language, thinking and planning skills.
  • The projection image. You may need brain imaging such as a ct scan or an mri. Health professionals may recommend imaging of the brain, if you have concerning symptoms, such as severe headache, memory loss, or vomiting. Images can also check whether the structural brain changes, such as damage to the brain tissue, and other conditions that can affect the brain. But the images can not see persistent post-concussive symptoms.
  • Other specialists. You can view other health care professionals based on their symptoms. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or a psychologist for anxiety or memory problems. For motion sickness, you may see an ear, nose and throat specialist. For changes in your vision, you can go to an eye specialist known as an ophthalmologist. Or you could see a specialist in visual symptoms related to traumatic brain injuries or neurological diseases, known as a neuro-optometrist.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for persistent post-concussive symptoms. Your health care professional about your symptoms. The types of symptoms and the frequency with which they occur varies from person to person.

Headaches

The medications that are often used for migraine or tension-type headaches can help. These can include medication for the treatment of depression, high blood pressure, and seizures. The drugs are usually specific to the individual, so talk with your health care professional about which are the best for you.

Please note that excessive use of analgesics may contribute to the persistence of post-concussion headaches. This is known as medication overuse headache. This can occur with drugs for the pain you get with a prescription or that you buy at the drugstore without a prescription.

The memory and thinking problems

The time can be the best therapy for memory and thinking problems after mild traumatic brain injury. Most of these symptoms disappear on their own in the next few weeks to months after the injury, but the use of a laptop or visual cues can help control these symptoms as your brain heals.

Certain forms of cognitive therapy can be useful, even concentrated rehabilitation in the areas that need strengthening. Some people may need occupational or speech therapy. Stress can cause cognitive symptoms worse, so learning to manage stress can be useful. Relaxation therapy can also help.

Dizziness or vertigo

Dizziness is a feeling weak, dizzy or are not stable. Vertigo is a false sensation that your surroundings are moving. Dizziness and vertigo symptoms could be treated by a physical therapist specifically trained to treat the balance of the symptoms.

The dream of the symptoms

Sleep problems and other sleep symptoms are common after a concussion. Learning about good habits of sleep, known as sleep hygiene, can help. This includes going to bed and waking up on a regular schedule. Sometimes, the drugs may be needed to improve sleep.

The vision

Changes in vision are also common after concussion. These include blurred vision and sometimes double vision. Often, changes in vision improve by themselves. Some people with persistent post-concussive symptoms needs to see a specialist who treats the visual of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury, known as a neuro-optometrist.

Sensitivity to light and sound

For some people with persistent post-concussive symptoms, the light and the sound are annoying. These symptoms tend to improve with time. But exposure therapy with a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help these symptoms.

The irritability, depression and anxiety

Symptoms often improve once you understand the cause of your symptoms, and symptoms are likely to improve with time. Learning about the persistence of post-concussive symptoms may help ease fears and provide a little peace of mind. If you have new or increased anxiety or depression after a concussion, some treatment options may include:

  • Psychotherapy. To speak with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker who works with people who have suffered a brain injury can help.
  • Of medicine. Medicine can treat depression and anxiety.
  • The physical activity. Early, gradual exercise that prevents reinjury can help you feel better.

Preparing for your appointment

First you can see a member of your health care team, which makes the initial diagnosis of a concussion. Or the diagnosis can be made by a health care professional in the emergency room.

You may be referred to a brain and nervous system disorder specialist, known as a neurologist or a brain rehabilitation specialist, known as a physiatrist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect.

What you can do

Follow these steps to help you prepare for your appointment.

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that do not seem to be related to the reason for the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking and the dose.
  • Ask a family member or friend to go with you, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. A friend or family member may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

Prepare a list of questions in order to make the most of your appointment. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

For persistent post-concussive symptoms, some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • Why are these symptoms continue to occur?
  • How long do these symptoms continue?
  • I need other tests? I need to do anything to prepare for the tests?
  • Are there treatments available, and I recommend?
  • Are there restrictions on the activities that must be followed?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What sites do you recommend to visit?
  • When can I return to work?
  • When you can drive again?
  • Is it safe to drink alcohol?
  • Is it okay to take drugs that were prescribed prior to the injury?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask a series of questions. Be prepared to respond to them can give more time to go over any points you want to cover. Your health care professional may ask:

  • How did the initial injury occur?
  • The symptoms been constant or come and go?
  • What symptoms are you currently experiencing?
  • How often do the symptoms occur?
  • Is there something to improve your symptoms?
  • What, in any case, it makes your symptoms worse?
  • Are your symptoms get worse, staying the same or getting better?
Symptoms and treatment of persistent post-concussive symptoms (Post-concussion syndrome).