Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
post concussion syndrome
Answered by
CCFNeuroMD JT, MD - Neurology/Epilepsy, Neurology/General
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
post concussion syndrome
by m_watt, Jun 24, 2007 12:00AM
Approximately 4 months ago I had a biking accident whilst holidaying in Australia, the outcome was fractured ribs, broken wrist, numerous abrasions and severe concussion. I was told I was unconscious for about half an hour, however due to memory loss I do not remember anything of the incident, or much before and after.
The past 4 months have been extremely difficult due to a number of symptoms which I have been suffering. This includes memory loss, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, personality changes and general low depressed feeling. Upon returning to the UK I was diagnosed as having post concussion syndrome and that these were all symptoms.
After a little research I have been unable to find much information within the UK and therefore any type of Practitioner that will be able to advise/treat me. I guess as a starting point I would like to know that I'm going to recover, and when. Also any form of exercises or treatments that would help me would be of great use. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
The past 4 months have been extremely difficult due to a number of symptoms which I have been suffering. This includes memory loss, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, personality changes and general low depressed feeling. Upon returning to the UK I was diagnosed as having post concussion syndrome and that these were all symptoms.
After a little research I have been unable to find much information within the UK and therefore any type of Practitioner that will be able to advise/treat me. I guess as a starting point I would like to know that I'm going to recover, and when. Also any form of exercises or treatments that would help me would be of great use. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by CCFNeuroMD JT, MD, Oct 18, 2007 06:37PM
, Oct 18, 2007 06:37PM
To: m_watt
I am happy to address the questions that you pose, although it is important that you recognize that my impression is based entirely on the information you have provided in your posting and is by no means a substitute for an office visit with a neurologist. Diagnosis is contingent on detailed history and physical exam and as such, the following information should be considered solely for educational purposes.
Your symptoms include cognitive slowing (i.e. memory loss, concentration difficulties), light sensitivity, blurred vision, depressed mood, and changes in personality, onset following a biking injury in which you sustained a concussion with loss of consciousness. You have expressed your frustration in the paucity of information available on the subject of “postconcussive syndrome” (PCS), and I must admit that part of your difficulty is rooted in the fact that the details of this syndrome remain the subject of debate. To date, there is no universally accepted definition of PCS, although most of the literature support some version of the following: History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and presence of at least 3 of 8 symptoms: (1) headache, (2) fatigue, (3) insomnia, (4) irritability, (5) dizziness, (6) impaired memory (7) impaired concentration, and (8) intolerance of stress, emotion, or alcohol.
Because there is little data available on PCS, it is difficult to offer a prognosis in 100% confidence. Although many patients tend to improve over the first three months, there have been reports of symptoms persisting as far as a year or more following the initial incident. Treatment is supportive and is generally approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. Physical and occupational therapy is often helpful in improving day-to-day function, and there may be a roll for a psychiatrist and/or a neurologist in treatment of symptoms.
At this point, you are 8 months out from your injury. I hope the information above is of some help, and I wish you the best of luck with your recovery.
Your symptoms include cognitive slowing (i.e. memory loss, concentration difficulties), light sensitivity, blurred vision, depressed mood, and changes in personality, onset following a biking injury in which you sustained a concussion with loss of consciousness. You have expressed your frustration in the paucity of information available on the subject of “postconcussive syndrome” (PCS), and I must admit that part of your difficulty is rooted in the fact that the details of this syndrome remain the subject of debate. To date, there is no universally accepted definition of PCS, although most of the literature support some version of the following: History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and presence of at least 3 of 8 symptoms: (1) headache, (2) fatigue, (3) insomnia, (4) irritability, (5) dizziness, (6) impaired memory (7) impaired concentration, and (8) intolerance of stress, emotion, or alcohol.
Because there is little data available on PCS, it is difficult to offer a prognosis in 100% confidence. Although many patients tend to improve over the first three months, there have been reports of symptoms persisting as far as a year or more following the initial incident. Treatment is supportive and is generally approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. Physical and occupational therapy is often helpful in improving day-to-day function, and there may be a roll for a psychiatrist and/or a neurologist in treatment of symptoms.
At this point, you are 8 months out from your injury. I hope the information above is of some help, and I wish you the best of luck with your recovery.
The symptoms you described are consisent with mild TBI. Most patients we suggest to limit your activities, cognitive and physical, as they may worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Increase activites as tolerated. If possilbe look for a neuropsychologist in your area.
The problem with mild tbi is that it isn't readily available to see. It's not like a broken arm, but an injury nonetheless. Take your time and rest and symptoms should pass within 8 weeks. If not, find neuropsychologist for evaluation. As, anti-depressants have been shown useful for mood changes secondary to tbi. good luck.