Post-Concussion Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Persistent post-concussive symptoms occur when effects from a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) continue for longer than three months. These symptoms commonly include headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, and memory issues.

The condition affects people differently, with symptoms potentially lasting from several weeks to more than a year.

Concussions typically result from various injuries including falls, car accidents, contact sports, or forceful shaking of the head or body. You don’t need to lose consciousness to experience a concussion, and not all concussions lead to persistent symptoms.

The severity of the initial injury doesn’t necessarily predict whether someone will develop long-lasting symptoms. Most people who experience persistent symptoms begin noticing them within 7-10 days of the injury.

Treatment focuses on managing specific symptoms, improving daily functioning, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Key facts about persistent post-concussive symptoms:

  • May also be called post-concussion syndrome
  • Can significantly impact daily activities
  • Treatment approaches vary based on specific symptoms
  • Recovery timelines differ for each person

Symptoms

Post-concussion symptoms vary among individuals. These may include:

  • Headaches (often similar to migraines)
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Mood Changes (irritability, anxiety, depression)
  • Sleep Disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
  • Cognitive Issues (poor concentration and memory)
  • Sensory Problems:
    • Ringing in ears
    • Blurry vision
    • Sensitivity to noise and light
    • Nausea or vomiting

Many people experience headaches that feel like migraines after a concussion. Some headaches may resemble tension-type pain, possibly connected to neck injuries that occurred during the same incident as the head trauma.

When to Get Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a head injury causing:

  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Vision changes
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • A sudden, severe headache

Medical evaluation is important even if you never lost consciousness. Also get help if you notice:

  • Loss of feeling in any body part
  • Inability to move normally
  • Difficulty speaking or writing

For athletes who sustain a concussion during sports activities, do not return to play. Step away from the game and get proper medical assessment to prevent worsening the injury.

Causes

Scientists still need more studies to fully understand why some people develop long-lasting symptoms after a concussion while others recover quickly.

These persistent symptoms might stem directly from the brain injury itself. In some cases, the initial injury triggers other health problems like chronic migraines.

Several factors can influence recovery and symptom duration:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Balance issues and dizziness
  • Psychological stress
  • Pre-existing mental health conditions

Things That May Lead to Long-Term Symptoms

Several factors can increase your chances of developing long-lasting symptoms after a concussion:

  • Age: People between 20-30 years old commonly report ongoing symptoms. However, older adults may face more serious and longer-lasting problems.

  • Gender: Women receive this diagnosis more often than men. This might be because women are generally more likely to seek medical help.

  • History of Anxiety: Having anxiety before a concussion strongly increases the risk of persistent symptoms.

  • Previous Headache Problems: Those who suffered from headaches before their injury face higher chances of developing lasting symptoms.

  • Earlier Brain Injuries: Having had a previous brain injury raises the risk of persistent symptoms. However, even a single concussion can lead to ongoing problems.

Ways to Avoid Head Injuries

Preventing head injuries is the best way to avoid long-lasting symptoms after a concussion. While not all injuries can be prevented, these safety measures can greatly reduce your risk:

Use Vehicle Safety Equipment

  • Always wear your seat belt in any motor vehicle
  • Follow proper child safety seat guidelines based on age and size
  • Keep children under 13 in the back seat, especially in vehicles with airbags
  • Use rear-facing car seats for infants and toddlers up to age 4
  • Use forward-facing car seats until at least age 5
  • Use booster seats until seat belts fit properly (usually between ages 9-12)

Wear Protective Headgear

  • Use helmets during activities like:
    • Biking
    • Skating (roller and ice)
    • Skateboarding
    • Motorcycle riding
    • Skiing and snowboarding
    • Horseback riding
    • Contact sports (football, baseball, softball)

Maintain Good Vision

  • Get yearly eye exams, especially for older adults
  • Update glasses or contacts as needed to prevent falls

Create a Safer Home Environment

  • Remove small area rugs that could cause tripping
  • Improve lighting in hallways and stairwells
  • Install handrails in bathrooms and on stairs
  • Use safety gates if you have young children

Prevent Falls in Older Adults

  • Talk with healthcare providers about medications that might cause dizziness
  • Review medicines that could affect balance
  • Make home modifications as needed for safety

Long-term Symptoms After a Concussion

After a concussion, some people experience symptoms that last longer than expected. These ongoing issues can affect daily life in many ways.

Most concussion symptoms go away within days or weeks. But for some people, symptoms can last for months or even years. Doctors may call this post-concussion syndrome when symptoms persist beyond the normal healing time.

Common long-lasting symptoms include:

  • Headaches (often similar to migraines or tension headaches)
  • Dizziness and balance problems
  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances
  • Memory and concentration difficulties
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression)

The risk of developing persistent symptoms may be higher for people who have had previous concussions or who experience significant symptoms right after the injury.

Some factors that might predict longer recovery include:

Risk Factor Description
Age Older adults and teenagers may take longer to recover
Sex Some research suggests women may experience longer-lasting symptoms
History Previous concussions or neurological conditions can slow healing
Severity More severe initial symptoms might predict longer recovery

Treatment focuses on managing specific symptoms. This might include physical therapy for balance problems, cognitive therapy for memory issues, or medications for headaches.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.