Post concussion syndrome

Post concussion syndrome

After a minor head injury, people sometimes develop what is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

The symptoms of this condition can include things like reduced concentration, irritability, tiredness, memory problems and can be distressing, especially if you don't know what to expect.

These symptoms are part of the normal recovery process and are not signs of brain damage or medical complications.  Like the itch of healing stitches, these symptoms are expected as you get better.  They are not a cause for concern or worry.

Most people don’t develop symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident, but the syndrome can begin sooner.  Either way, symptoms often disappear without any special treatment.

Post concussion syndrome is more common after mild TBI.  If you have these symptoms, this is a sign that your injuries were probably mild.  The majority of people with post concussion syndrome recover completely in 3 to 6 months.

In many cases these symptoms resolve themselves within a few days or weeks.

However, in some cases problems can persist for months, but still resolve themselves eventually.

The best approach is to have strategies you use with the symptoms you are experiencing.

 

 

This can be a frustrating time, as the effects may be subtle and you may not have been told about them.

 

Following the suggestions in this section should help to make you feel better as quickly as possible, but be patient with yourself and try not to rush things.

It is important to realise that these symptoms often happen even when there is no damage to the brain and that the fear of having brain injury, even if there is none, can be very distressing and can delay recovery. So it is sensible, if you have these symptom

The most common symptom picture after a brain injury is known as the post concussion syndrome.  Eight out of 10 people with a mild TBI show some signs of the syndrome during the first 3 months after the accident.  These symptoms are part of the normal recovery process and are not signs of brain damage or medical complications.  Like the itch of healing stitches, these symptoms are expected as you get better.  They are not a cause for concern or worry.

Post concussion syndrome is more common after mild TBI.  If you have these symptoms, this is a sign that your injuries were probably mild.  The majority of people with post concussion syndrome recover completely in 3 to 6 months.

Most people don’t develop symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident, but the syndrome can begin sooner.  Either way, symptoms often disappear without any special treatment.

A list of symptoms that you can expect is shown in Table 1, along with the percent of people with brain injuries who experience each symptom at some point in their recovery.  Few people will experience all of the symptoms but even one or two can be unpleasant.

TABLE 1

Symptoms of Post Concussion Syndrome

Symptom	Percent of People
Reduced concentration	71%
Irritability	66%
Tiredness	64%
Low Mood	63%
Memory problems	59%
Headaches	59%
Anxiety	58%
Trouble thinking	57%
Dizziness	52%
Blurred or double vision	45%
Sensitivity to bright light	40%

 

 

 

 

What Can I Do About The Symptoms

Some people find that at first post concussion syndrome makes it hard to work, get along at home, or relax.  The best way to deal with this is to resume activities and responsibilities gradually, a little at a time.  The time you spend at work, getting together socially, with your family, or exercising is determined by what you are comfortable with.  You should pace yourself, and be sure to get all the rest you need.  If your symptoms get worse, or if you notice new post concussion symptoms, this is a sign that you are pushing yourself too hard.

Ignoring your symptoms and trying to “tough it out” often make the symptoms worse.  Symptoms are your body’s way of giving you information.  A broken bone or a torn muscle hurts so that you won’t use it and it has time to heal.  Post concussion syndrome is your brain’s way of telling you that you need to rest it.  Most doctors who treat brain injuries agree that recovery is faster when you get enough rest and resume responsibilities gradually.

Thinking and worrying about your symptoms can make them seem worse.  This is partly because paying attention to a feeling seems to magnify or increase it.  If you pay attention to your heartbeat or breathing for a minute or two, you will see that the sensations seem to become more noticeable.  Concentrating on the symptoms of post concussion syndrome can also make them more noticeable.

It is important to remember that the symptoms are a normal part of recovery and will usually go away on their own.  Of course, we all have some of these symptoms once in a while anyway.  After a TBI it can be easy to forget that we were sometimes irritable, tired, had headaches, couldn’t concentrate, or forgot things even before the accident.  Try to deal with these things the same way you did before.

Some of the symptoms you notice may actually have nothing to do with your TBI.  The symptoms of post concussion syndrome are similar to the symptoms of ordinary day to day stress.  A list of everyday stress symptoms is shown in the Table below, along with the percentage of people who experience each symptom even though they didn’t have a TBI.

Symptoms of Everyday Stress

Symptom	Percent of People experiencing without TBI
Reduced concentration	14%
Irritability	16%
Tiredness	13%
Low Mood	20%
Memory problems	20%
Headaches	13%
Anxiety	24%
Trouble thinking	6%
Dizziness	7%
Blurred or double vision	8%
Sensitivity to bright light	14%

 

The reason that the symptoms of post concussion syndrome are so much like the normal signs of daily stress is that one main cause of these symptoms is exactly the same: everyday stress.  Of course hitting your head also has a lot to do with it.  But having a TBI adds more stress to your life, not just bumps and bruises to your head.

The accident itself, being in hospital, and going back to work or school are all things that add stress to most people’s lives.  Bills can pile up, time is lost, there may be injuries to other parts of your body.  And just like a pulled muscle or a bruised leg, your brain takes some time to recover. 

Another main cause of stress after a brain injury is worry about the symptoms you have.  Scientific studies by neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists in New Zealand show that if you get an information booklet like this one you are likely to recover faster and feel better during recovery than if you did not know what to expect.

Of course, talking to a doctor about your symptoms is also important.  Your doctor can prescribe medication that can help you if you need it.  You can also talk to the person who gave you this booklet (see telephone number on back page).