While most people recover from concussions within a few weeks, severe concussions can be life-altering, and individuals can face lingering symptoms that require long-term care. Post-concussion syndrome can last for months or even years, leaving those who suffer from it searching for effective strategies for managing their symptoms.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a suite of symptoms commonly associated with the aftermath of a concussion. Concussions are mild brain injuries that can result in brain swelling or bleeding that lead to various symptoms.
Understanding post-concussion syndrome is essential for seeking the right long-term treatment and managing your symptoms. Depending on your particular symptoms, some treatment methods may work better than others. Some of the most common post-concussion symptoms include:
- Headaches and Migraines – Persistent or severe headaches are one of the most common symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome.
- Cognitive Difficulties – Some individuals report problems with memory, concentration, and mental clarity that can significantly impact their daily lives.
- Emotional Symptoms – Post-concussion syndrome can cause or worsen anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.
- Sleep Disturbances – After a concussion, you may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. These sleep disturbances can exacerbate your other symptoms, particularly emotional symptoms.
- Physical Symptoms – Dizziness, fatigue, and sensitivity to light or noise are frequent complaints of those suffering from post-concussion syndrome.
A concussion specialist can help you identify a symptom management strategy based on the symptoms you’re experiencing after a concussion.
Long-Term Management Strategies for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Living with post-concussion syndrome can be challenging, but several strategies and treatments may be effective at mitigating your symptoms. Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, physical rehabilitation, complementary therapy, and pain management services.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis
The first step is to diagnose your brain injury. Our doctors will assess your mental state, balance, coordination, and memory as part of your initial evaluation. If you suffered a severe brain injury, we may also use imaging tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, to check for conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation is a core component of our treatment plans. This rehab can’t directly fix any damage done to your brain by the head injury, but it can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms. Physical therapy is an effective means of restoring motor function, balance, and coordination and lowering the risk of long-term physical impairment.
Complementary Therapies
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we offer acupuncture and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapies as part of our complementary medicine program. These therapies can be effective at managing pain and other symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the use of complementary medicine is on the rise in the United States, increasing from 19.2% to 36.7% in two decades. Based on the numbers, it’s clear these therapies have health benefits to offer.
Pain Management
We recommend Tylenol for pain relief if you’re suffering from frequent headaches. However, you should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) in the early stages of concussion recovery, as these medications can promote life-threatening bleeding.
Some other medications that can manage post-concussion syndrome symptoms include:
- Gabapentin for mood disorders such as anxiety
- Tricyclic antidepressants for depression
- Anti-nausea drugs for dizziness
Long Island Concussion Specialists
If you suffered a concussion and are continuing to suffer from post-concussion syndrome, you don’t need to suffer any longer. There are effective ways to manage your symptoms, and it all starts with getting a diagnosis from the concussion specialists at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our physical rehabilitation and complementary therapy services.