Post-concussive symptoms, or post-concussion syndrome, are when the experience of concussion symptoms lasts longer than the expected period. Concussions usually take weeks or a few months to heal.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of post-concussion syndrome still are the cause of debate. However, the signs of lingering concussive symptoms are indisputable.
Signs of the syndrome
After a concussion, you can expect the typical recovery time to be three months. However, the post-concussion syndrome may last for a year or more. Signs of post-concussion syndrome include dizziness, tiredness, confusion, blurry vision, headaches, anxiety, sensitivity to noise and light, insomnia and an inability to concentrate. In rare cases, patients may experience a loss of smell or taste.
Contributing factors
The risk of experiencing post-concussive symptoms increases as you get older. The older you are, the more devastating a head injury can become. Another factor is gender. Women are more likely to receive a post-concussion syndrome diagnosis, but the reasons are not confirmed. Women may seek treatment more often, which increases their numbers.
Disputed causes
As stated above, the causes of post-concussion syndrome are in dispute. Some physicians claim the condition is due to mechanical damage to the brain and its nerves. A slightly more controversial opinion is that the disease is psychological because the symptoms mirror anxiety, PTSD or depression.
Regardless of what caused the post-concussive symptoms, if you experience them, seek immediate medical attention. You will likely want a second opinion since persistent symptoms’ causes and treatments are still in dispute. Consult with a lawyer if you believe negligence or a willful act caused your injury.