Concussion is a common form of mild traumatic brain injury. Although many people recover well, some individuals continue to experience symptoms for longer than expected. When symptoms persist, this may be referred to as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Understanding the symptoms and how recovery can be managed can help individuals feel more confident when returning to work, exercise, sport or everyday activities.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome describes the persistence of symptoms following a concussion. Symptoms can vary between individuals and may affect physical, cognitive and emotional function.
- Headaches or migraine-like symptoms
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Fatigue and reduced energy
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in mood, including irritability or anxiety
The experience of concussion can therefore be very different from one person to another. Some people may experience only a small number of symptoms, while others may find that several areas of their daily life are affected.
Why can symptoms persist?
A concussion can temporarily affect how the brain functions, including how information is processed and how different areas communicate with one another.
Recovery can also be influenced by factors such as sleep, stress, previous concussions or migraines, and how quickly normal physical and cognitive activities are reintroduced. These factors can interact with one another and may contribute to symptoms continuing for longer.
Recovery from post-concussion syndrome
Recovery should be individualised and activity should generally be progressed gradually according to symptoms and tolerance.
Rest and pacing: Relative rest can be useful during the early stages, but prolonged complete rest is not usually the goal. Gradually returning to normal activities can help rebuild tolerance.
Sleep: Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and allowing enough time for good-quality sleep can support recovery.
Physical activity: As symptoms allow, light exercise such as walking or gentle cycling can be gradually introduced. The intensity and duration should reflect the individual's current tolerance.
Cognitive activity: Activities such as reading, studying, working or prolonged screen use may also need to be increased gradually if they reproduce symptoms.
Professional support: Persistent symptoms may benefit from assessment and rehabilitation from healthcare professionals experienced in concussion management. Depending on the symptoms, this may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neurologists or other appropriate healthcare professionals.
Returning to normal activity
Returning to work, exercise or sport should be approached progressively rather than relying on a fixed timeline. This may involve gradually increasing physical activity, cognitive demands and time spent participating in normal activities.
Some fluctuation in symptoms can occur during recovery. An increase in symptoms does not necessarily mean that further damage has occurred, but it can be useful information about whether activity levels need to be adjusted.
Where symptoms are persistent, worsening or concerning, appropriate medical assessment should be sought.
Takeaway
Post-concussion syndrome can involve a range of physical and cognitive symptoms which affect everyday life. Recovery is individual, and gradually rebuilding tolerance to physical and cognitive activity can form an important part of the process.
The aim is to gradually return to the activities that matter to you while understanding and managing your symptoms along the way.
Clinic locations
Looking for appointment information? Cameron Hayward Osteopathy offers appointments at The Cedars Practice in Caterham and with Newhill Osteopathy in Horley.
Find clinic details, directions and contact options for osteopathy in Caterham or osteopathy in Horley.