The human brain can undergo a variety of injuries. One of the most common impact-related brain injuries in California is a concussion, with over 3 million concussions happening in the U.S. each year. While concussions don’t typically result in fatalities, they can result in post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome happens when someone suffers the symptoms of a concussion after the normal recovery timeframe passes. Everyone’s recovery time varies, but most people fully recover from concussions in about two to three weeks. As a month or more passes and someone’s still dealing with the symptoms of a concussion, they likely have PCS.
The most common symptoms of PCS are:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Extreme mood swings
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Trouble remembering or focusing
Treating post-concussion syndrome
Since specific post-concussion syndrome side effects vary, there’s no one treatment method for those with this ailment. Instead, medical professionals typically treat PCS on a per-symptom basis. PCS can cause mental or physical side effects or both.
One of the most common injuries that people deal with after PCS is frequent headaches. In this case, a medical professional might prescribe pain medication to a patient.
PCS can also cause mental side effects, including anxiety and depression. For these situations, medical professionals might refer patients to a therapist. A patient might also receive medication made to prevent depression and anxiety, such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants.
Treating PCS is possible, but this condition causes a variety of symptoms. So, it’s wise to document any side effects that you notice while recovering from a concussion. Thorough notes help your physician provide the best treatment and recovery plans.