What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Anyone who has ever had their head clocked against something hard knows what it’s like to see stars, as well as a bad headache for the effort. And, if you’ve ever hit your head to that extent, the first thing most people tell you is to keep alert to the signs of concussion. A concussion can show up at any time, even days later, after an accident, and can even be a symptom of a much more serious injury.
Concussion symptoms typically last a couple of weeks, with moderate concussions usually resolving in a month’s time or so, but some people experience symptoms for much longer. These long-lasting effects can signal the presence of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) – a condition you can get from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). People at increased risk for developing the syndrome often have a history of concussion, anxiety, mood or learning disorders, and even migraines.
What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?
Whether your PCS is the end result of a sports injury or a car accident, you’ll be dealing with the same symptoms. Some patients have multiple issues, while others may only deal with one or two that simply won’t go away, like:
- Anxiety
- Blurry vision
- Decrease in taste or smell (in rare instances)
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Loss of concentration and memory
- Noise and light sensitivity
- Ringing in the ears
Experiencing any long-term chronic pain from PCS can be highly disruptive to your daily routine – whether it’s performing your job, taking care of the kids, or even just trying to get through a day without hurting. You might see your work performance or your personal relationships suffering.
Is post-concussion syndrome permanent?
While we do know a lot about PCS, the truth is we just don’t know enough to predict an outcome for concussion patients. It can be terrifying to have no idea whether your lifestyle or career may suffer because of lingering symptoms from your accident.
If debilitating symptoms don’t improve, you may be unable to return to work as normal for a long while. Which means you’re likely to suffer financial difficulties through no fault of your own. You may need to seek out Social Security disability benefits, and/or seek a fair settlement from the person whose negligence caused your brain injury.
How do you treat post-concussion syndrome?
Treating PCS can be tough, especially if a patient has any underlying conditions or health concerns. While nobody can predict the final outcome for PCS victims, there is available treatment for those suffering symptoms. The primary treatment protocol combines Functional Neurocognitive Imaging (FNCI) and Enhanced Performance in Cognition (EPIC). Here’s a little more about it.
- FNCI is essentially an upscale MRI that also tests for six different cognitive tests intended to measure the relation between your brain and any blood inside your brain. The result of imaging procedure gives therapists an accurate view of injuries to each region of your brain.
- EPIC requires a week of treatment focused on intensive physical therapy geared towards each patient’s specific needs. Treatment plans are tailored based upon the FNCI scans of the brain and neck and working to strengthen and repair damage spots triggering PCS symptoms.
CognitiveFX conducted a study of this treatment method and determined that 62% of their patients showed improvement of their PCS symptoms after four days of treatment.
Trying to get through each day when you’re dealing with PCS can feel like you’re carrying an enormous weight with no end in sight. You need the financial means to seek the relief that can give you back your life – sooner rather than later. You need the professional legal help found at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm. Our Nashville brain injury attorneys will fight to recover the best settlement possible to compensate you for the trauma you experienced.
Schedule your free case evaluation with one of our seasoned TBI attorneys in any of our offices conveniently located in Nashville, Hendersonville, Knoxville and Clarksville by calling 615-425-2500, or reach out to us through our contact page to seek the legal help that you deserve.
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