Post Concussion Symptoms
After a concussion, many people experience a range of symptoms that can affect their daily lives. It is important to recognise these post-concussion symptoms and understand how they can impact your health and well-being.
Suffering from Post-Concussion Symptoms?
If you’re suffering from post-concussion symptoms, you’re not alone. From persistent headaches and neck pain to dizziness and mood changes, the impact can be long-lasting. Fortunately, help is available.
Effective treatment for post-concussion symptoms focuses on addressing the root causes and managing discomfort. With targeted physiotherapy, you can regain control of your recovery. Don’t let these symptoms dictate your life. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your consultation.
What Are Post-Concussion Symptoms?
Post-concussion symptoms are the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects that linger after a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions are often caused by a blow to the head, a fall, or an accident that shakes the brain inside the skull. While concussions are typically considered to be mild injuries, the symptoms can be severe and long-lasting.
Common Post-Concussion Symptoms
After sustaining a concussion, you may experience a variety of symptoms. These can include:
- Headaches: The most common post-concussion symptoms. They can vary in intensity, duration, and type, with some individuals experiencing tension headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck pain and stiffness are frequently reported after a concussion. This discomfort can be caused by the whiplash-like motion that occurs during the injury or by muscle tension that develops as a result of the concussion.
- Dizziness and Balance Issues: Concussions can disrupt the brain’s ability to process balance signals, leading to dizziness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), or a feeling of unsteadiness.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Many individuals experience cognitive symptoms after a concussion, including difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and trouble focusing on tasks.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Concussions can also cause emotional and behavioural changes, such as irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are common after a concussion, with many individuals experiencing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unusually fatigued.
- Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Some concussion sufferers report an increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) or noise (phonophobia), which could lead to debilitating migraines.
What Causes Post-Concussion Symptoms?
Post-concussion symptoms occur as a result of the brain’s response to trauma. When the brain is injured, the neurons and chemical pathways that regulate different functions can become disrupted. This disruption can lead to a variety of physical and mental symptoms. Factors that may contribute to post-concussion symptoms include:
- The severity of the concussion
- The length of time between the injury and when treatment is sought
- Previous head injuries or concussions
- Underlying health conditions that may affect recovery
Types of Post-Concussion Symptom Treatment
If you’re experiencing post-concussion symptoms, it is crucial that you seek medical attention. While symptoms often improve with time, early intervention can help manage and alleviate discomfort. Treatment options may include:
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive rehabilitation can help you regain focus and memory function.
Rest and Recovery:
Getting plenty of rest and avoiding activities that may exacerbate symptoms (such as sports or strenuous exercise) is critical for recovery.
Medications
Pain relievers and medications may be prescribed to alleviate specific symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce tension, and strengthen the muscles around the neck and shoulders.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re dealing with persistent or severe post-concussion symptoms, you should speak to a healthcare provider. In some cases, symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention. You should contact a doctor if:
- Your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few weeks
- You experience worsening headaches, dizziness, or neck pain
- You have difficulty sleeping or experience significant changes in mood
- Cognitive symptoms interfere with daily tasks and functioning
Book Your Treatment Today
Post-concussion symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life, but with the right care and management, many individuals recover and return to their regular activities. If you’re experiencing neck pain, headaches, or other lingering symptoms following a concussion, do not hesitate to contact us. At the Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic, we offer tailored post-concussion treatment to help alleviate your post-concussion symptoms and guide your recovery.
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