Post-commotion syndrome, or concussion in another way, is a common complication of traumatic brain injury, which is most often observed with concussion. The disease is manifested by irritability, fatigue, dizziness, cephalalgia, a slight intellectual decline, a change in character and apathy. Most often, post-commotion syndrome (PCS) is diagnosed when a person who has recently suffered a head injury continues to experience concussion symptoms for a long time. Below is described in more detail about this disease.
What it is
PCD occurs as a result of brain injuries. Pathology is a common complication. Various sources indicate that the number of people suffering from the disease is up to 50 percent of the total number of all patients with traumatic brain injuries. The disease is much more often diagnosed in people with mild head injury than with severe or moderate. PCD may begin a few days after being injured. In some cases, the period between concussion and the appearance of pathology can reach several weeks. If symptoms persist for more than a year, the syndrome is considered chronic. Classification of concussion according to ICD 10 - S06.0.
Causes
PCD occurs after a concussion, and the cause of the concussion itself may be:
- a fall;
- violent attack;
- traffic accident;
- a blow to the head during sports (especially football, boxing);
- other causes of post-commotion syndrome.
At the moment, it is not precisely established why some patients have PCD, while others do not. Only one thing is clear that the appearance of the syndrome does not depend on the severity of the concussion.
Symptoms of post-commotion syndrome
A specialist can diagnose PCD after a head injury in the event of the simultaneous appearance of three of the following symptoms:
- headache;
- sleep disturbances;
- disorientation;
- nervous condition;
- memory loss;
- difficulty with concentration;
- insomnia;
- dizziness;
- personality changes;
- feeling of anxiety;
- irritability;
- apathy;
- depressive state;
- fatigue;
- special sensitivity to noise and light.
There is no single way to determine the pathology, since the signs of post-commotion syndrome in all people appear individually. The doctor may need to have an MRI and CT scan to make sure there are no significant brain damage. Usually, after a head injury, the victim is assigned peace. At the same time, he is able to permanently fix the psychological symptoms of PCS.
Treatment of post-commotion syndrome
Treatment for the disease includes taking medication and visiting a psychiatrist. In each case, the doctor selects individual therapy based on the symptoms. If the patient experiences depression and increased anxiety, the specialist will prescribe psychotherapy sessions. In the event that there are problems with memory, cognitive therapy is prescribed.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants and anxiolytics to combat the above symptoms. Depression is also effectively treated by combining communication with a psychiatrist and taking medications.
Who is at risk
Everyone who has had a concussion is at risk of post-commotion syndrome. A high probability of encountering pathology is in people over forty years old. It was also found that PCS is most often diagnosed in women, but this may be due to the fact that the fair sex is more likely than men to go to the hospital if they feel unwell.
Some symptoms of the syndrome are associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. In this regard, experts believe that patients with existing mental disorders are more likely to suffer from concussion.
Forecast and Prevention
Most often, the prognosis is favorable, a return to normal occurs within six months. In a small percentage of cases, symptoms persist for a year or more. If post-commotion syndrome develops into a chronic form, the prognosis for recovery is poor.
Since the main factor in the development of pathology is the psychogenic mechanism, the prevention is the creation of a calm psychological environment for a person who has suffered an injury. Also, factors contributing to the acquisition of a chronic form should be excluded. During the rehabilitation period, the patient is recommended classes with a psychotherapist and psychologist.
How to prevent pathology
Due to the fact that the reasons for the manifestation of post-commotion syndrome are still not clear, the prevention of brain injuries is considered the only way to exclude its occurrence. To do this, you must:
- use seat belts in the car;
- transport children in special car seats;
- use a protective helmet when practicing contact sports and while riding a motorcycle;
- to move carefully on ice in the winter season.
Information in conclusion
Post-commotion syndrome is a very serious pathology that occurs as a result of traumatic brain injury. The disease is successfully treatable. For any complications and unpleasant symptoms, after a concussion, consult a doctor. In any case, it is impossible to start a pathology, since it can develop into a chronic form.