POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME

POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a head injury that temporarily affects brain function. It is also known as Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Symptoms of a concussion can occur from minutes to hours after the initial injury. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can last for weeks, and some cases symptoms from a concussion last 3-6 months, and may make it difficult to return to work, school, sports, or prior level of functioning. In Post-Concussion Syndrome, symptoms do not resolve for weeks or for up to 3-6 months, at which time re-assessment of the causes of the symptoms is necessary.

 

Post-Concussion Syndrome

What are common injuries resulting in Post-Concussion Syndrome?

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Falls
  • Sports Injuries
  • Physical Violence
  • Work Related Injuries
  • Injuries that involve direct blow to the head or forces elsewhere on the body that are transmitted to the head

What are symptoms of a Post-Concussion Syndrome?

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

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Memory and Attention Problems
  • Depression
  • Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
  • Rest has limited benefit (more long term after the initial injury)
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurry vision
  • Noise and light sensitivity
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Neck pain

What causes headaches after a concussion?

Headaches after a concussion most often feel like migraines. The headaches also might feel like tension-type headaches, which may be related to a neck injury that happened at the same time as the head injury.

What causes post-concussion neck pain?

Neck pain after a concussion can be caused by injuries to the cervical spine, such as ligament sprains and intervertebral disc damage. The neck pain can be long-term and more difficult to manage. The long-term neck pain is also often linked to headaches.

Because of the mobility of the cervical spine, it is very vulnerable to any injury that causes forces to the neck, such as whiplash, direct forces to the head/neck can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs, muscles and/or ligaments.

Persistent long-term neck pain can occur after a concussion, and recovery times can be more prolonged requiring more involved management of Post Concussion cervical pain to include Physical Therapy and more diagnostic imaging.

Recovery from long-term neck pain can also be compounded by any prior history of injuries to the neck such as prior whiplash injuries or surgeries.

For more information about concussions,
Concussion Foundation
Concussion Alliance