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Community data Updated 4 weeks ago

Post-concussion syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome

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Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) refers to a group of symptoms that can continue for weeks or even months after someone has had a concussion.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes PCS. One idea is that it happens because of a chemical imbalance in the brain, brought on by the same injury that caused the original concussion. Another idea is that PCS may result from damage to the nerve cells in the brain.

Common Symptoms

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Medicines Commonly Used

⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.

No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing post-concussion syndrome

PCS does not show on any scans or blood tests. This means that your healthcare professional will diagnose PCS using:

  • your medical history (that you’ve experienced a recent head injury)
  • the types symptoms you’re experiencing
  • when your symptoms began (before or after a head injury)

Treatment

Managing post-concussion syndrome

There’s no specific treatment that cures PCS. But there are a lot of strategies that can help. For most patients the symptoms gradually improve over time.

Pacing strategies are often used to help manage PCS. These are strategies that allow you to gradually increase your activities. They can help you return to work and leisure activities.

Some activities can make PCS symptoms worse. You should avoid overstimulating activities that make your symptoms worse. These might include:

  • late nights
  • alcohol
  • crowded rooms
  • conversations with multiple people at once
  • vigorous exercises
  • prolonged screen time

You may be prescribed antidepressants or anti-migraine medication. This doesn’t mean your healthcare professional thinks you’re depressed or experiencing migraines. These medicines work by reducing abnormal nerve activity in the brain. This means they can help with the physical symptoms of PCS.

If you’re experiencing psychological symptoms, antidepressants can also help with this. Your healthcare professional may also suggest talking treatments (like psychological therapy).

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