What happens when you’ve had a concussion, but just aren’t back to 100% and still having lingering symptoms? You may be suffering from post-concussion syndrome. It doesn’t have a clear-cut definition, but symptoms persist beyond the normal window of recovery which is longer than 2 weeks for adult and longer than a month for adolescents. It’s believed 10-20% of patients will experience post-concussion symptoms.

Common post-concussion symptoms include:

• Impaired attention, memory, executive functions

• Depression

• Poor sleep

• Dizziness

• Chronic pain (headache)

• Feeling frustrated or impatient, panic attacks

• Irritability, easily angered

• Sensitivity to noise and light

• Decreased alcohol tolerance

• Blurred vision

In general, patients who experience vestibulo-ocular dysfunction during initial presentation are at a significant risk of developing post-concussion syndrome; those symptoms can include dizziness, vertigo, blurred/unstable vision, discomfort in busy environments, nausea, convergence insufficiency, blurred vision, diplopia, difficulty reading, headache, problems with visual scanning.

There are a few symptoms which are indicators of a prolonged recovery. Patients who experience dizziness have 6.4x greater risk, difficulty focusing or blurred vision have 1.5x greater risk, or post-traumatic migraine symptoms have 7.3x greater risk. Other factors that can be predictors of a long recovery are younger age, female, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and a medical history of previous concussion, headaches, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders.

If you have recently sustained a concussion or are experiencing any symptoms since, don’t hesitate to call/text 701-318-4731 or email alison@pinnalcetherapywellness.com to learn how we can help. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the happenings at Pinnacle Therapy & Wellness.