Establishing a link between the original injury and the syndrome may be challenging at times. Making things even more difficult is the fact that cases involving post-concussion syndrome can be complex. Also, lost wages associated with post-concussion syndrome can be significant. Since post-concussion syndrome can last months or even years, treatment can be expensive. Lasting Effects of Post-Concussion Syndrome are Costly People who have depression related to post-concussion syndrome may also benefit from medication and psychotherapy. But cognitive behavior therapy may help in some cases. There are not medications to treat certain symptoms associated with reasoning difficulties or memory problems. Other medications to treat emotional issues, such as anxiety, may also be useful. Different medications may be used, such as amitriptyline, which treats some of the symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome, such as headache. Treatment may include medication to decrease both physical and emotional symptoms. Instead, once a diagnosis is made, treatment is aimed at decreasing symptoms. Since symptoms are varied and unique to the individual, there is no one specific treatment for the syndrome. Although a CT scan may be performed to look for abnormalities, changes are often not found. There is not one specific diagnostic test that identifies post-concussion syndrome. In some instances, the symptoms may start weeks or months after the initial concussion, which means doctors do not always connect it to the head injury.ĭiagnosis is often made based on a review of medical history and symptoms. But for some people, symptoms can become so severe that they prevent the person from working or taking care of their responsibilities. Changes to personality can be especially upsetting. For example, someone who is usually calm may become angry easily. The changes may be sublet or easily noticeable. Some people also experience personality changes. Post-concussion syndrome is often complex and can include a variety of symptoms, including: Whatever the cause, the condition can easily be overlooked by doctors since symptoms can be vague. One theory is structural changes occur in the brain after the impact from the concussion that alters neurotransmitters systems. Why some people develop the syndrome after a mild traumatic brain injury is not entirely understood. In other words, those postconcussion symptoms were permanent. Any traumatic brain injury can have lasting effects.Īn important finding in the Journal of Neurotrauma study was that no patient recovered who had PCS lasting 3 years or longer. New information and studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, paint a different picture. In the past, a concussion was considered a minor injury without lasting symptoms or effects. But even more startling is up to 15 percent of people still suffer the effects of a concussion a year or later. About 50 percent of those who develop post-concussion syndrome still have symptoms for up to three months. According to the National Institute of Health, about ten percent of people develop the syndrome in the weeks following a concussion. Post-concussion syndrome is a lot more common that once believed. The study also indicated that if recovery has not occurred within the first three years, symptoms may be permanent. It does not appear the severity of the concussion is associated with the risk of developing the syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome can include a variety of symptoms that last for weeks, months or years after the initial concussion. Indeed, a new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, “Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers,” examined the prevalence of post-concussion syndrome and the significant impact the syndrome can have on a person’s wellbeing and quality of life. Researchers are discovering that any TBI - even mild TBI or concussion - can cause lasting effects. What about less obvious forms of TBI, such as a concussion? Severe traumatic brain injuries involving hemmorhage (bleeding) or encephalopathy can cause catastrophic, permanent injury or death. The leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States is motor vehicle accidents and falls - and that is consistent with our experience representing clients who have suffered a TBI.
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