Effective Treatments for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Posted On: April 4, 2025 by Robert Matijevich

Post-concussion syndrome affects a number of concussion patients. People suffer from chronic headaches, dizziness, and cognitive fog. The unpleasant symptoms persist for months or even years after the initial injury. Untreated PCS risks long-term disability, mental health problems, and decreased independence. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your doctor must find an individual approach. Advances in multidisciplinary care offer hope for meaningful recovery. We will describe proven treatments backed by research and clinical experience. Analyze this information and choose with your doctor the best way to treat the concussion!

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

A concussion occurs when a strong blow to the head disrupts neural connections. Victims experience dizziness, headaches, or memory problems. These are usually resolved within 2-3 weeks. However, 10-20% of cases develop PCS. In this case, symptoms last more than 3 months due to incomplete healing.

How Do Injuries to Different Parts of the Brain Manifest Themselves?

Damage to certain areas of the brain leads to the appearance of PCS symptoms:

• The frontal lobes control cognition, language, and memory. They are usually damaged in car accidents or sudden collisions.
• The temporal lobes control comprehension and verbal/visual memory. They are vulnerable to collisions.
• The parietal lobes process sensory information and spatial perception. Damage to the senses and coordination is impaired.
• The occipital lobes control vision. They are rarely damaged due to their protected position at the back of the skull.
• The brainstem regulates vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Severe damage can be fatal.
• The cerebellum coordinates balance and movement. Injuries cause clumsiness or tremors.
• Injuries to the autonomic nervous system interfere with involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion), leading to fainting.
• The vestibular system affects balance and spatial orientation, causing dizziness or “seeing stars.”

Symptom Timeline

Headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, or loss of consciousness appear within 24-48 hours. After a few days or weeks, a person might start feeling insomnia, mood swings, brain fog, or emotional instability.

Chronic PCS is when symptoms persist for more than 3 months. This situation requires specialized care. Those at increased risk include those with previous concussions or repeated head injuries.

Key signs of PCS

Physical symptoms include persistent headaches (often tension-type). Patients may feel dizzy, have problems with balance, or be sensitive to light/sound. Sometimes fatigue, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears occurs. Cognitive and emotional symptoms include anxiety, depression, or irritability. Memory lapses, poor concentration, or “brain fog” may occur.

Evaluation of the Condition

No single test confirms ACL, but healthcare providers use a combination of evaluations to pinpoint symptoms and rule out other conditions:

• Neurological exams are essential.
• Cognitive testing evaluates memory, concentration, problem-solving, and reflexes.
• Sensory and motor testing evaluates balance, coordination, and sensory perception.
• Post-concussion syndrome specialists also use imaging (CT/MRI) to rule out structural damage (e.g., bleeding, swelling) or tumors.
• Imaging cannot detect the ACL itself, but it can help rule out other causes.
• A person may be referred to a physical/occupational therapist for dizziness or movement problems.
• Neuropsychologists treat memory, anxiety, or mood disorders.
• ENT specialists can help with dizziness or balance problems.
• Neuro-optometrists treat vision changes (e.g., blurriness, light sensitivity).

Headaches

This problem is familiar to many patients. Migraine medications, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications help. The doctor selects all the medications based on your needs.

Headaches can also be due to excessive use of painkillers (over the counter or prescription).
Managing Irritability, Depression, and Anxiety After a Concussion
It is not uncommon for concussion victims to suffer from mood swings. Irritability, depression, and anxiety are common. Often, the psychological state is overlooked, with the focus being on physical symptoms. It is important to see mood problems not as personal difficulties but as a symptom of the trauma experienced. Mindfulness can help you pay attention to your condition and normalize your mood. Fortunately, symptoms often improve over time. But proactive help can speed recovery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you reframe negative thinking patterns associated with frustration or hopelessness. Psychologists or social workers who have been trained in traumatic brain injury can address unique emotional issues. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications (such as SSRIs) can restore balance to your brain chemistry.

Treatment for Concussions

• Physical therapy restores balance and dizziness with targeted exercises.
• Occupational therapy helps with daily tasks despite cognitive problems, such as memory issues.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
• Vestibular therapy restores balance with eye tracking and coordination exercises.
• Neuromuscular therapy relieves headaches with specialized massage techniques.
• Neuro-optometric therapy corrects vision problems after injury.
• Neurofeedback trains brain waves to improve focus and reduce symptoms.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves healing with 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
• Neuropsychology evaluates brain function to develop recovery plans. Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe over-the-counter painkillers.
• Controlled aerobic exercise (walking, swimming) can improve autonomic dysfunction.
• Trigger point-focused medical massage is designed to relieve headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Support Yourself

Visiting the doctor on time and following his instructions is very important. Also, support yourself. Do yoga or walking (approved by the doctor). Be sure to track the symptoms you experience. Note their frequency and analyze triggers. Follow the specialist’s instructions regarding taking medications. Enlist support. It will be good if a friend or family member can help you. Your psychological state is also important. Do something enjoyable, walk in nature, communicate with loved ones, and avoid stress. Take care of your emotional and physical state. Call your doctor immediately if you have worsening headaches or vomiting. Call your doctor immediately if you have sudden vision loss or slurred speech. Seizures or personality changes are dangerous symptoms. PCS requires patience, but progress is possible with proper care.

Conclusions

If you suspect a concussion or PCS, seek help immediately. Early intervention increases your chances of recovery. Concussions can change the chemistry and function of your brain. Untreated PCS can lead to chronic pain, mental health problems, or dementia. Specialized treatments offer hope for restoring your quality of life. Each of our patients receives a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs. Our team of experts is certified and trained to the highest level. We are proud to serve our patients not only through the physical therapy services we provide but also through our involvement in the local community. You will receive the highest quality care and support you need. Don’t wait. Contact us for a consultation.