What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome, or PCS, is a condition that involves prolonged symptoms following a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It can occur within days of a brain injury, or may take weeks to appear. A concussion or post-concussive syndrome can appear without the loss of consciousness during a TBI. PCS does not appear to be linked with the severity of the brain injury.

Symptoms

The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can last weeks to months. PCS may be diagnosed if a traumatic brain injury has occurred and at least three symptoms are present. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Anxiety
• Apathy (loss of interest)
• Blurry vision
• Changes in personality
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Light and noise sensitivity
• Memory problems
• Restlessness
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleeping too much
• Trouble concentrating or thinking
• Vertigo

Although rare, a decrease can occur in taste and smell. Headaches from a concussion are often described as a tension-like headache or a migraine.

Causes

The cause of post-concussion syndrome is the occurrence of a traumatic brain injury; however, not everyone who encounters a TBI will experience PCS. A traumatic brain injury is a type of brain damage that occurs as a result of an injury to the head. The severity of a TBI depends on various factors, and the lasting effects can range from a few days to permanent brain damage or, in severe cases, death. A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Examples of causes of a concussion or TBI include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fall
• Vehicle accident
• Assault
• Impact sports injury, especially boxing or football

Risk factors

There are certain factors that increase the risk of developing post-concussion syndrome. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Previous concussions or head trauma
• Early headaches following a traumatic head injury
• Amnesia, fogginess or fatigue following head trauma