Post-Concussion Syndrome: What Everyone Ought to know

When a person suffers a mild traumatic brain injury, for instance, after a car accident, they will likely experience dizziness, headaches, poor concentration, and fatigue. With proper rest, these symptoms tend to resolve within days. However, in some cases, the symptoms persist for weeks or even months. If this happens to you, do not suffer in silence. If you happen to live in California, you should visit Dr. Kevin T. Murphy, a San Diego concussion specialist offering highly personalized care.

What exactly is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS), also known as a persistent post-concussive syndrome, is an aftermath of a concussion. Once a person suffers a head injury, the injured cells do not receive the right amount of oxygen required for normal brain functioning.

As a result, the person is unable to complete specific tasks that require signaling from the injured cells. These actions include recalling words or even learning new things. Our bodies’ neural pathways will develop to counteract this complication; however, the person will still not perform their daily tasks properly.

Typically, this problem goes away after a few days. However, if the injured cells can’t send signals for proper blood oxygenation, the concussion symptoms will persist for weeks or months hence the name post-concussion syndrome

Is PCS Permanent?

Thankfully, PCS is not permanent. Note that some underlying factors, precisely spinal issues, make it harder to treat PCS for some patients. Also, note that current research shows that people who suffer multiple concussions are in no way at a higher risk of PCS than those who experience it once.

Symptoms of PCS

PCS can affect anyone at any age. One important thing you should note is that the symptoms will vary according to age. This is because of the different stages of brain development.

Symptoms of PCS in babies include a bruising on their head, vomiting, a drastic change in sleeping patterns, and crying when their heads are touched or moved. As a parent, you may also notice the loss of new skills such as pointing or the ability to sit upright.

Symptoms of PCS on Adults

Vestibular disorder with symptoms such as dizziness, ringing ears, mobility issues as well as vertigo

Vision difficulties such as light sensitivity, blurred vision, and pain when trying to focus which can affect reading

Insomnia and sleep apnea

Fatigue

Brain fog, poor memory and inability to concentrate

Mental health problems such as depression, mood swingsl and loss of interest in social activities

Recurring PCS, is this normal?

It’s sporadic for people to experience PCS a year later after it had subsided unless the patient had previously not sought medical help and had let the symptoms resolve on their own. If this is the case, you should seek immediate treatment.

Also, remember that certain factors increase the risk of developing PCS. Women, as well as the elderly, are susceptible to PCS.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of PCS is different for everyone. The doctor will carry out particular brain tests, depending on the patient’s symptoms.

Treatment

Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS)

Medication to reduce PCS symptoms

Natural remedies such as taking supplements and herbs with anti-inflammatory properties

If you are experiencing PCS symptoms, seeking immediate treatment will prevent future complications. You should reach out to an experienced neuroscientist such as Dr. Murphy to know which treatment is right for you.