Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that causes signs of a concussion that last for weeks, months or even years. Sustaining an injury to the skull that mildly damages the brain tissue can lead to a concussion. The immediate symptoms of a concussion might include amnesia, confusion, vomiting, nausea, dizziness or headache.
Close look on the indications of a post-concussion syndrome
Headache
A skull injury can lead to a headache in some individuals. The discomfort can range from minor to severe. If the individual has post-concussion syndrome, the individual experiences recurrent or continuous headache that is the same as a migraine, tension headache or cluster headache.
The headache can be accompanied by noise and light sensitivity, lightheadedness, dizziness or vertigo.
Mood alterations
Evident mood changes are prevalent among individuals who develop post-concussion syndrome. The behavior or mood-related symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
The individual might feel confused frequently or has difficulty with concentration. Some experience changes in the personality or reduced sexual libido.
Sleeping difficulty
If post-concussion syndrome develops, the individual has frequent sleeping issues. The individual has difficulty falling asleep or stay asleep during the night.
Increased sleepiness during daytime can also occur that can significantly disrupt with ability to perform daily tasks.
Hearing issues
After the skull is damaged, hearing-related issues arise due to post-concussion syndrome. The indications of hearing issues include buzzing or ringing sensations in the ears or even hearing loss.
Impairment of hearing might be brief but can continue for more than a year in some individuals with the condition.
Sensory alterations
If an individual develops post-concussion syndrome, the symptoms linked to sensory loss might arise such as:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Slurred speech
- Diminished sense of taste or smell
GI tract issues
The digestive issues linked with the syndrome might develop after sustaining a jolt to the skull. The usual indications include vomiting, nausea or reduced appetite. In case these symptoms persist, weight loss might also occur.
Poor coordination
An injury to the brain that results to post-concussion syndrome can lead to issues with coordination in some individuals. In most cases, the individual feels unstable when attempting to walk or he/she trips or stumbles more than normal.
Memory issues
Memory issues might arise if the syndrome develops. The individual becomes forgetful than usual or might misplace commonly used objects. In addition, tasks become longer to complete especially those that require the processing of diverse information.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on post-concussion syndrome is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications of this condition, register for a first aid and CPR course with Victoria First Aid.