Concussion symptoms can be disruptive, leading to dizziness, headaches, and a foggy feeling that makes it hard to concentrate. Rarely, though, do symptoms stop there. Although the symptoms should go away after a few days, this is not the case for many people. If you still feel the symptoms weeks after a head injury, you are likely dealing with post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we understand how frustrating PCS can be, and more importantly, we know how to diagnose and treat it. Dr. Areeb Chator and the rest of our team are here to listen, evaluate your condition, and design a treatment plan to help you heal. Contact us today to get the help you need.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
According to the National Library of Medicine, PCS is a set of symptoms that continue after a concussion has otherwise healed. Most of the time, a concussion heals on its own in seven to 14 days, but some people experience symptoms for much longer than that. In some cases, people can experience symptoms for over a year.
Suffering a concussion—even a nasty one—doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop PCS. PCS does not correlate with how severe your injury is. However, that also means that even a mild head injury can result in PCS, and no one is immune to this possibility.
Signs You May Have Post-Concussion Syndrome
As PCS can develop from even relatively minor concussions, it’s essential to know the signs and be able to recognize them. Everyone has a different experience, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory issues
- Sleep disruptions
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Vision problems
You may start to experience many of these symptoms from the onset of the concussion. However, if they continue past the expected time frame or if new symptoms develop, you may have long-term issues that necessitate medical attention.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
In most cases, a concussion will heal in seven to 14 days. After that point, if you’re still experiencing symptoms or not feeling right, you should seek medical help. PCS can affect you drastically, from your work life to your mental health. The earlier you get intervention, the better your chances are of completely healing.
You should schedule an evaluation if:
- You can’t concentrate at work or school
- Your headaches keep coming back
- You’re still too dizzy to participate in many activities
- You feel unusually forgetful
- You feel emotionally unstable
Our medical team has the knowledge required to diagnose PCS. Together we can create a plan for you that supports your mental health.
How We Diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome
There’s no single test for PCS. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we use a combination of tools to understand what is happening. During your initial consultation, your treating doctor will take the time to understand your medical history and symptom timeline. After that, the team may also use:
- Neurocognitive assessments
- Balance and vestibular testing
- Vision evaluations
- Headache and migraine screenings
- Mental health questionnaires
We know that rushing your visit won’t help you recover. It’s essential to take the time necessary to uncover the roots of your symptoms. We’ll work together to get you to recovery.
Treatment Options for Post-Concussion Syndrome
The specific PCS treatments you receive will depend on the nature of your symptoms. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we develop unique strategies for unique clients. Our goal is to treat your condition to reduce your symptoms and get you back on track. Some treatment options include:
- Vestibular Therapy: Targeted exercises can help retrain your vestibular system if dizziness and balance issues persist.
- Cognitive Therapy: Brain-based exercises can help improve focus, memory, and mental clarity.
- Physical Therapy: Certain physical symptoms, like neck strain, can aggravate PCS. Gentle therapies can reduce tension and improve mobility.
- Medication Management: Pharmaceuticals might be needed to treat migraines, sleep problems, and mood swings.
- Stress and Sleep Coaching: Stress and poor sleep patterns can worsen PCS. We’ll teach strategies to improve these areas and regulate stress hormones.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: We’ll work with you to modify your activities, schedule, and screen time so that your brain gets the rest it needs to recover with a minimal effect on your ability to perform daily activities.
The Role of Rehabilitation Medicine in PCS Recovery
With rehabilitation medicine, the focus is not just on treating your symptoms but on restoring function. Dr. Chator and the rest of our team understand how PCS can affect your ability to think and live normally and how frustrating that can be. That’s why we will take a proactive and holistic approach to treating your condition, one that also considers what other conditions might ultimately be causing or exacerbating your condition.
Why Choose Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine?
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, clients know they’ll get clear answers and caring treatments. We’re set apart from the rest with:
- In-Depth Knowledge of PCS: Dr. Chator has extensive experience treating PCS, working extensively with high school and collegiate athletes and teams, as well as New York City Football Club members.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We understand every case is unique, and we’ll build your treatment plan around you.
- Collaborative Team Approach: We collaborate with your doctors, therapists, and specialists to provide you with coordinated care.
- Compassionate Care: We are here to help you, and you’ll know that by the way we care.
A concussion is a painful and disruptive injury, particularly when it causes lingering symptoms that won’t go away with rest alone. If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms, don’t continue to suffer in silence. Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine today to schedule an appointment. We listen, we care, and we want to see you through to recovery.