Post-concussion syndrome is a condition in which the symptoms of a concussion last for weeks, months or even years. Those who play contact or high-impact sports are at risk for head injuries. Once an individual sustained a direct hit or blow to the head that involves minor damage to the brain tissue, he/she can develop a concussion.
The immediate symptoms of a concussion include nausea, vomiting, amnesia, confusion, dizziness or headache. These symptoms can last for weeks, months or longer if the individual has post-concussion syndrome. It is vital to consult a doctor regarding the symptoms if he/she had a concussion.
Headache
Any form of injury to the skull can trigger headache symptoms in some individuals. The headache can vary in severity from minimal to intense. If the individual has post-concussion syndrome, he/she can experience recurrent or constant headaches that is strikingly similar to a migraine, tension headache or cluster headache.
The headache can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, sensitivity to noise and light, vertigo or lightheadedness.
Sleeping problems
Once an individual develops post-concussion syndrome, he/she can suffer from frequent sleeping issues. The individual will find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. The increased fatigue during daytime due to the condition can also occur that might drastically disrupt with ability to complete daily tasks.
Impairment with hearing
After an injury to the head, the individual can develop hearing issues due to post-concussion syndrome. The symptoms include buzzing or ringing sensations inside the ears or hearing loss. Always bear in mind that the hearing impairment can be momentary but can last for more than a year in some individuals.
Mood alterations
Evident mood alterations are quite common among individuals with the syndrome. Behavioral or mood-related symptoms of the condition include irritability, anxiety or depression. The individual might feel frequently confused or has difficulty concentrating due to post-concussion syndrome. In some cases, they have personality alterations or reduced sexual libido.
Sensory changes
If the individual has post-concussion syndrome, there are also symptoms related to sensory loss. These include double or blurry vision as well as diminished ability to taste or smell normally and slurred speech.
Upset stomach
In some cases, stomach-related symptoms can also develop. These symptoms include vomiting, nausea or diminished appetite. Once these symptoms persist, the individual can also experience weight loss as a symptom of the syndrome.
Memory issues
Memory problems are likely to occur among those with post-concussion syndrome. The individual becomes forgetful than usual or frequently loses commonly used items. In most cases, the individual finds it longer to perform tasks that require processing of diverse information such as reading the newspaper.
Diminished coordination
Damage to the brain that leads to post-concussion syndrome can cause problems with coordination in some individuals. The individual feels unstable while walking or frequently trips than usual.