What is Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is the name for the group of ongoing symptoms a person can have after a concussion. A post-concussion syndrome (PCS) diagnosis is applied when concussion symptoms do not resolve within a week or two.
In post-concussion syndrome (PCS), symptoms often appear in clusters and may last for days, weeks, or longer. This syndrome can interfere with daily life and lead to frustration, fear, and uncertainty, especially when the cause is unknown. Doctors diagnose mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) through testing that detects nerve cell damage and different aspects of brain function, such as an MRI or QEEG.
In Dr. Diane®‘s Experience
During the course of Dr. Diane®‘s own post-concussion recovery, it became clear that most people, from the injured person to those in health care and social services, didn’t know what an mTBI is. So she decided to write Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, the first reference book to provide vital information to people with mTBI and the organizations that work with them. She has since written an even more comprehensive book building upon this original version, Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
In the first six years following her accident, Dr. Diane® found it challenging to do the things that were once second nature to her. Yet, with time came the healing of her body, mind, and spirit. You realize that you are no longer the same person you were before the injury but that you can become a more robust version of “old” and “new.” Gradually, you accept the changes within yourself and begin to reconnect with life again. Through your inner strength and outside support, you can recover from your brain injury.
Symptoms of Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
People may experience the following post-concussion symptoms, if they have had a concussion, blast injury, or stroke because these are also types of brain injuries. That is not to say that you have a brain injury because you have any of these symptoms. Suppose you are experiencing any of the following symptoms as a result of a brain injury. In that case, Dr. Diane®‘s brain rehabilitation program can help you regain your life. Brain rehabilitation aims to help rebuild a resilient brain and return your life to its optimal level.
PCS Symptoms List
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nightmares/Flashbacks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Falling asleep unexpectedly
- Hand or leg tremors
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Sexual dysfunction or loss of sex drive
- Gait imbalance
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of taste and smell
- Confrontational attitude
- Explosive temper
- Fearfulness
- Impatience
- Thoughtlessness
- Hypervigilance
- Depression
- Agitation
- Apathy
- Irritability
- Fear of “going crazy”
- Frustration or anger
- Guilt or shame
- Feelings of helplessness
- Anxiety
- Frequent mood changes
- Distractibility
- Disorientation
- Temporary amnesia
- Problems with speaking
- Poor judgment
- Slow thinking
- Inability to focus attention
- Problems remembering what you heard
- Word finding problems
- Feelings of confusion
- Long or Short Term Memory Problems