Patient education: Postconcussion syndrome (The Basics)

What is postconcussion syndrome? — Postconcussion syndrome is a condition that can happen after a mild brain injury called a "concussion." A concussion usually happens after hitting the head. But in some cases, it can happen after an injury or accident that causes violent shaking of the head.

When a person has postconcussion syndrome, they continue to have symptoms for days to weeks after their injury. Doctors also use the term "post-TBI syndrome." TBI stands for "traumatic brain injury."

What are the symptoms of postconcussion syndrome? — The symptoms can include:

●Headache

●Dizziness or problems with balance

●Feeling very tired

●Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed

●Memory problems or problems paying attention

●Problems with sleep

●Being easily bothered by noise or light

Some of these symptoms can make it hard to do your normal activities. This can be stressful or scary. Remember that they are real problems caused by your concussion, and they will get better with time.

Will I need tests? — Maybe. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have postconcussion syndrome by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam.

But depending on your symptoms, you might have tests to make sure that you do not have a different problem. For example, some people have an imaging test called an MRI that creates pictures of the brain.

How is postconcussion syndrome treated? — Treatment depends on which symptoms you have. It can be reassuring to know that postconcussion syndrome is a real medical problem. Knowing that there is a reason for your symptoms, and that they will improve over time, can help with anxiety.

Treatments might include:

●Medicines – Your doctor might recommend medicines to help with headaches, dizziness, sleep problems, or other symptoms.

●Rest – After a concussion, avoid activities that could cause another head injury. Rest your body and your brain for a few days, and avoid things that make your symptoms worse.

Your doctor will tell you when you can play sports or do other activities again. It depends on your injury and symptoms, as well as the type of sport you play. Depending on your symptoms, you might not be able to go back to work full time right away.

●Counseling – If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, your doctor or nurse might suggest counseling. They might also prescribe medicines that can help.

●Avoiding substances – Avoid alcohol and cannabis while you are still having concussion symptoms.

When will I start to feel better? — Your symptoms will probably start to go away after about a week. Most people start to feel better in a week or 2, and are back to normal in 3 months. But a few people have symptoms that last longer. In these cases, your doctor might suggest medicines or other treatments.

When should I call for help? — After a concussion, there are certain problems that you should watch for.

Someone should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

●Cannot be fully woken up

●Are acting confused or disoriented

●Have a sudden and persistent change in your behavior

●Cannot walk normally

●Have trouble speaking or slurred speech

●Have severe weakness or cannot move an arm, leg, or 1 side of your face

●Have a seizure or jerking of your arms or legs that you cannot control

Someone should call the doctor or nurse for advice if you:

●Have concussion symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse, even with physical and mental rest

●Have blood or clear liquid draining from your ears or nose

●Seem weak or have numbness in an arm, leg, or other body part

●Have a stiff neck

●Have a headache that is severe, gets worse, feels different, or does not get better with over-the-counter medicines

If any of the above symptoms seem severe, or if you are concerned but cannot reach the doctor or nurse, seek emergency help. These things don't always mean that there is a serious problem, but seeing a doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure.

More on this topic

Patient education: Concussion in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Vertigo (a type of dizziness) (The Basics)