Post-concussion syndrome is a complex disorder that typically occurs as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following a mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, many people experience persistent symptoms that can last from several weeks to several months. The severity of these symptoms can vary according to the extent of brain injury.
Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
The symptoms manifest in different ways for different people. They can be physical or cognitive and even emotional in some cases and are difficult to diagnose.
Physical Symptoms:
Common physical symptoms that can be attributed to Post-Concussion Syndrome include:
Headaches and Migraines – Headaches and migraines are one of the most common symptoms that occur in people suffering from post-concussion syndrome. They affect almost 90% of patients and can last anywhere from 3 months to over a year.
Vertigo Or Dizziness – Most people who deal with head injuries experience dizziness and vertigo for the first few days after the incident. However, if it becomes chronic, lasting for months or years, and is accompanied by feelings of light-headedness and faintness, it’s a sign of post-concussion syndrome.
Fatigue – Lingering fatigue for weeks after a traumatic brain injury even when the other symptoms have subsided can point to a possible disorder.
Light Sensitivity – Another frequent side-effect that points to a possible post-concussion disorder is sensitivity to light. This can be triggered by certain kinds of lights such as digital screens or fluorescents.
Blurry Vision – Disruption and blurriness in vision can be attributed to the brain recovering after a traumatic injury. However, if the symptoms persist and some fuzziness remains around the visual field of the patient this could be due to post-concussion syndrome.
Cognitive Symptoms:
Cognitive symptoms that can occur as a result of a deeper injury to the brain include:
Memory Loss – Brain fog and memory loss is a common occurrence in patients who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury. However, in a few weeks, after the brain has healed itself, the symptoms tend to abate. Persistent memory loss can be a sign of post-concussion syndrome.
Poor Concentration – Post-concussion syndrome can lead to difficulty in concentration. This is one of the most common non-physical symptoms relating to brain injuries and concussions.
Delayed Response And Attention Deficits – After a concussion, some patients can experience thinking problems such as a reduced ability to respond to a statement or a question and paying attention. If they become a long-term issue, the patient in question probably has post-concussion syndrome.
Emotional Symptoms:
As a result of the injury to the brain and the pain and recovery process, many people suffer from emotional issues. These include anxiety, depression, and sleeping issues. The emotional problems are inevitable in the first few months after the incident and can be hard to shake off for the first few months. However, chronic depression and persistent sleep disorders are common indicators of post-concussion syndrome.
Contact Our Concussion Experts in Toronto!
Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute is the leading sports medicine and physiotherapy clinic in the greater Toronto area. Our team comprises of highly-skilled medical professionals that help our clients deal with debilitating illnesses, sports injuries, concussions, or post-surgery trauma effectively. We offer a range of services including but not limited to concussion treatment, shockwave therapy, podiatry and prescription orthotics, and pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment and start living a healthy and active life!
