A head injury is a potential life-threatening occurrence, not only within the few hours after its occurrence, but for up to a year after its initial impact. An individual, who has undergone any type of head trauma, or blunt force, has to be closely monitored for the first 24 hours following the incident for signs of severe internal bleeding or brain hemorrhage. Often, traumatic brain injury can result in a concussion that has its sufferers experiencing symptoms for months afterwards.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
According to Mayo Clinic staff, post concussion syndrome can best be classified as a disorder that can involve a combination of symptoms that last for weeks and/or months after the initial brain injury. Symptoms of post concussion syndrome can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, loss of concentration and memory, and noise and light sensitivity.
In most cases, the symptoms of a concussion and concussion syndrome disappear within three months of the head injury. However, it is important to monitor one’s symptoms throughout the process of recovery in order to determine if a follow-up visit to a physician is necessary.
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
For some, a traumatic brain injury can take several months or even years to recover from. The severity of head trauma varies between individuals and prediction of recovery time can be quite obscure, according to Traumatic Brain Injury.com. The reasons for the variation are currently attributed to the individual’s unique make-up and the characteristics of the brain injury itself. Some of the markers that medical personnel use to try to determine the likely severity of the injury are the duration of the coma (if one occurs), length of any post-incident amnesia, and age at the time of the incident.
While a concussion can occur with or without a loss of consciousness, it is by nature usually considered to be a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions, which are typically caused by a blow to the head, can result in more serious injuries if the individual develops complications. Some of the symptoms that can indicate a more serious traumatic brain injury include prolonged headaches or dizziness, vision and pupil size irregularities, nausea or vomiting, impaired balance, prolonged memory loss, ringing in the ears, and the loss of smell or taste. Symptoms such as these should not be ignored and require further medical investigation and analysis.
Concussions, particularly mild ones, require time and rest in order to experience an adequate recovery. While concussions are considered to be a brain injury that can and does result in some degree of damage, it is the general consensus of the medical community that the undamaged portions of the brain eventually learn to compensate for any incurred mild deficiencies. Symptoms such as amnesia, confusion, irritability, dizziness, depression, short term memory loss, and problems with concentration typically diminish over an average period of three months.
Living With the Effects of Head Trauma
Experiencing post concussion syndrome for weeks, even months after the initial head injury can be a frustrating and unnerving experience. Post concussive syndrome’s set of effects might cause a temporary decrease in work or school performance as concentration and memory prove to be more difficult to grasp. In addition, reoccurring headaches that are difficult to relieve with over the counter medications can prove to be troublesome and even temporarily disabling. It is important during concussion recovery to be patient, revise self-expectations, continually monitor troublesome symptoms, re-consult medical personnel as necessary, as well as inform those who have influence over applicable employment and/or educational standing if appropriate.
Traumatic brain injury and recovery from its main after effect, post concussion syndrome, is both troublesome and frightening. Pacing one’s self appropriately while finding adequate support can help ease the transition phase. As concussion symptoms begin to lessen, the majority of sufferers will find an acceptable level of functioning becomes restored. However, one who experiences any type of traumatic brain injury and post concussion syndrome should be mindful of new or intense recurring symptoms for years following the initial impact and seek medical attention if necessary.
Sources:
Bing Health.com. "Concussion" (accessed December 5, 2010).
Mayo Clinic.com. "Post-Concussion Syndrome" (accessed December 5, 2010).
Traumatic Brain Injury.com. "Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury" (accessed December 5, 2010).
Helen Akers - Helen E. Akers
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