Persistent Post Concussion Syndrone (PPCS)

Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS), also known as Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS), is a complex disorder that can occur after a concussion – a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While most individuals recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some experience lingering symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even longer. This condition is known as post-concussion syndrome. PCS is defined as concussion symptoms lasting longer than 30 days from the day of the injury.

Symptoms of Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms

The symptoms of PPCS can vary widely from person to person, but they generally fall into three categories: physical, cognitive, and emotional. Common symptoms include:

• Physical Symptoms: Persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise, and sleep disturbances.
• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slowed thinking.
• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it challenging to work, study, or engage in social activities.

Diagnosis of Post-Concussion Syndrome

Diagnosing PCS can be complex, as there is no single test to confirm the condition. A healthcare professional, experienced in concussion management will typically:

1. Review the patient’s medical history, including details of the initial concussion.
2. Conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination.
3. Assess symptoms using standardised questionnaires or scales.
4. Rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as migraines, mental health conditions, or other neurological disorders.

It’s important to seek help if symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery period of a concussion, as early diagnosis can lead to more effective management. The longer one waits to address the symptoms the longer it will typically take for recovery.

 Treatment for Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PPCS, as the approach depends on the individual’s specific symptoms and needs. Often a variety of treatment strategies is required as the concussion injury can disrupt a variety of different functions.

These may  include: 

1. Manual Therapy Treatment for the Neck: Often the neck is affected by the concussion injury. Treatment of the neck can help to address headaches, migraines, sleep disturbances and neck pain. 
2. Vestibular/Oculomotor Treatment: Vestibular rehabilitation can help with dizziness and balance issues, while oculomotor exercise can help with visual dysfunction.  
3. Cognitive Rehabilitation: Therapy to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills may be recommended. 
4. Psychological Support: Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression. 
5. Lifestyle Modifications: Gradual return to normal activities, stress management, diet changes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support recovery. 
6.  Exercise Promotes Recovery: Sub-threshold cardiovascular exercise has been shown to help improve post concussion symptoms, testing is done to ensure the correct intensity is used to minimize the risk of flaring up symptoms.

Recovery from PCS requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving a team of healthcare professionals working together to address the various aspects of the condition. We have a database of professionals that can help with managing various aspects of PCS to assist in your recovery. 

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms following a concussion, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention can help manage symptoms effectively and improve quality of life.

The program carried out at Sydney Concussion Centre uses best practice techniques, established by the latest research to assess the Domains of Concussion This involves a wide range of techniques to determine where your concussion symptoms are originating. Once the areas of dysfunction are determined, a specific treatment and exercise program is developed to address the issues and expedite recovery.