Know the symptoms of post concussive syndrome: Get checked even if you don’t hit your head
Post concussive syndrome occurs following head injuries even if you don’t hit your head but rather shaken, tossed, or wrenched (like in a car accident or a fall). The injury may be seemingly mild, and you do not have to lose consciousness.
In post-concussive syndrome, symptoms persist beyond three months and may include headache, trouble thinking, reading, concentrating, dizziness and even mood swings. Some people also experience sleep disturbances. Similar symptoms can occur after a stressful event such as a surgery, a chemical exposure, a viral infection or an assault.
Post-concussion syndrome is very common. Studies show that up to 30% of people who have had a head injury experience lasting effects which can impact on their work, their social life and relationships, their mental emotional state and their sleep. Symptoms may compound each other, for example a difficult night sleeping can trigger headaches or may cause more trouble concentrating.
Post-concussion syndrome occurs because the area of the brain impacted by the trauma is inflamed which impacts blood flow and consequently the neuronal output of the area. This area is often slowed down or incapable of doing its normal workload and other areas of the brain may have to take up the activities. This can lead to confusion, trouble concentrating, overwhelming emotions and headaches.
One of my patients recently came to me after a car accident in which she was spun out on the freeway but did not hit her head. Once she recovered from the obvious physical trauma of the accident, she noticed persistent fatigue, trouble concentrating, anxiety and disequilibrium. Normally very independent, her husband had to hold onto her while they went on short walks, and she would have to rest afterwards. Six months after the accident, she was required to do a presentation for work. The presentation was something that she normally could do with ease but in this case, it caused a great deal of stress for her. She had to have lots of prompts to help her through it. After she did her presentation, it took over 3 days to recover from the ordeal.
Treatment of post-concussion syndrome may require vestibular therapy to help with balance, vision therapy, physical or occupational therapy to help with pain. Acupuncture and meditation can help. Sometimes trauma or emotional therapy is necessary to deal with underlying memories or emotions that come up.
Self-care is critical.
- Be patient with yourself or loved one.
- Limit overly stimulating environments.
- Wear sunglasses or noise cancelling headphones.
- Get adequate rest (even if you can’t sleep). Closing your eyes and resting can help.
- Use meditation to help calm some of the inflammation.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Avoid excessive screen time.
- Drink adequate water.
- Supplements like homeopathic arnica, natrum sulfuricum, lion’s mane mushroom, melatonin and even progesterone can be helpful.
- Gentle exercise is also good.
Remember post-concussion syndrome is common following a car accident or fall, even if you don’t hit your head. If you don’t feel right, get evaluated.
Dr. Jennifer Means welcomes you for Primary Care for the whole family: Nutrition, IV Therapy, Naturopathy, and Acupuncture. Contact us at 503-641-6400.
