Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or a year or more after a concussion medically classified as a so-called mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 34 to 35% of people with concussion experience persistent or prolonged symptoms 3 to 6 months after injury. Prolonged concussion is defined as having concussion symptoms for over four weeks following the first accident in youth and for weeks or months in adults. A diagnosis may be made when symptoms resulting from concussion last for more than three months after the injury. Loss of consciousness is not required for a diagnosis of concussion or post-concussion syndrome. However, it is important that patients find help as soon as they notice lingering symptoms within one month, and especially when they notice their mental health deteriorating, since they are at risk of post-concussion syndrome depression. Though there is no specific treatment for PCS, symptoms can be improved with medications and physical and behavioral therapy. Education about symptoms and details about expectation of recovery are important. The majority of PCS cases resolve after a period of time.
Physical and cognitive therapy can really help. Cardiovascular exercise improves cerebral blood flow and unleashes a cascade of neurochemicals (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF) that help your brain adapt during therapy. It also encourages the brain and forces your brain and autonomic nervous system to work together better. cognitive and occupational therapists can help you focus on restoring and improving skills like memory, attention, decision making, and reasoning.