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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Post Concussion SyndromeForum: Neurology Forum
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| My daughter has been diagnosed with "post concussion syndrome" by her Neurologist following a car accident last December. For a while, we were under the impression she had "mild brain trauma". Would you please explain the difference and possibly reference additional information. Thank you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello A. Hart Post-concussion syndrome refers to a constellation of symptoms often experienced after receiving a concussion, which is temporary loss of consciousness (getting knocked out essentially) due to a trauma. Examples of concussions include those due to motor vehicle accidents, and those due to knoockouts in boxing matches. The typical symptoms include lightheadedness and dizziness, headaches, loss of concentration, irritability, trouble thinking clearly, memory problems, and nausea. Truye neurological symptoms like weakness (paralysis), numbness, inability to speak etc. are not present and if such symptoms are, you are dealing with a more major degree of head trauma that has caused actual physical destruction of part of the brain, or so-called brain contusion, rather than temporarily discombobulating it without causing permanent damage. Post-concussion syndrome is usually a self-limited problem that gradually improves over time. Minor head trauma is a completely nonspecific tern with no particular medical meaning other than that it was not a major head trauma. Clearly if one is knocked out by the trauma, it is not totally minor!! The good news is that the prognosis for your daughter and others with post-concussive syndrome is generally excellent, and while it can be quite annoying, ultimately it goes away. Please remember that information we provide on the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, and that the actual diagnosis and treatment of your daughter's specififc medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with her treating physician(s). If you would be interested in having your daughter evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, the number is 1-800-223-2273; extension 45559. We hope you find the information provided helpful.
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