Is PCS Treatment right for you?

Post-Concussion Syndrome, or PCS, is a constellation of symptoms that arise after a concussion is sustained. PCS symptoms are typically focused in three areas: cognitive, physical, and emotional.  

How does concussion occur/How do I know if I have a concussion?

A concussion is a mild form of Traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury happens when the brain is subjected to trauma, such as being struck by an object, pierced by an object, or shaken. Common events that may cause concussion include:

• Automobile accidents 
• Falls
• Fights
• Blows to the head
• Sports injuries

While moderate and severe brain injuries are often immediately apparent due to loss of consciousness or confusion, a person who experiences a “mild” injury may not lose consciousness at all and maybe only momentarily dazed. A “mild” injury, however, can still severely impact an individual’s life in physical, emotional, and cognitive ways. Cognitive problems in particular may take a few weeks or even a month to become noticeable. 

The most prominent aspect of PCS is that the symptoms of each of these three areas (physical, emotional, and cognitive) can interact with each other, so the whole of their impairment may be worse than the sum of the individual parts.

The good news is that most concussions resolve over time, and with proper support, people can return to normal functioning relatively quickly. We at The Brain and Behavior Clinic have over 35 years of experience diagnosing, treating, supporting, and advocating for people with post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injuries.

What does PCS look like?

Post-Concussion Syndrome can include physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms.

 Physical symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred or double vision
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea
• Loss of smell/taste
• Appetite changes

 Emotional symptoms may include:

• Irritability
• Increased anxiety
• Becoming easily overwhelmed
• Depression or lack of interest/motivation
• Personality changes or sudden mood swings

 Cognitive symptoms may include:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Struggling to remember things
• Slowed reactions
• Trouble learning new things, reasoning, or making decisions

How is PCS treated? When will I recover?

All of these symptoms are normal and treatable. In The Brain and Behavior Clinic’s 35+ years of experience, we’ve helped over ten thousand patients understand, address, and alleviate their symptoms.

For tips on managing your PCS, check out Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome: Compensation Strategies