Townsend 1

Cameron Townsend
Mrs. DeBock
English 4 Honors
22 March, 2015
Post-Concussive Syndrome
Concussions strike common workers, athletes, children, and infants daily. Concussions
are caused by blunt force trauma to the head or a traumatic shock to the body that effects the
head. Having a concussion is no fun, and all there is to do is lay around and let time heal this
condition. Even though concussions can be healed after time passes, there is no promise that
post-concussive syndrome will not develop later on down the line. Post-concussive syndrome is
the lingering of someones symptoms long after having recovered from a concussion.
Furthermore, post-concussive syndrome is developed later on down the line whenever
someone has recovered completely from a concussion. Post-concussive syndrome is unlikely to
develop if one recovers from a concussion properly. Doctors can distinctly separate these
symptoms, as several of the symptoms mirror those associated with depression, anxiety, and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is believed that people with pre-existing psychiatric
conditions are more likely to develop PCS after a concussion. (Bowman). Women and people
over 40 are also more likely to develop PCS. PCS can last for weeks or even months. Postconcussive syndrome can last for months. When speaking about recovering from PCS, most
patients fully recover from this condition.

Townsend 2
After recovering from a concussion, it is hard to tell if one has post-concussive syndrome
because symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are often vague and non-specific. (Ratini).
The symptoms of PCS include, headaches, sleep problems, dizziness, depressed mood,
irritability, anxiety, and memory problems. These symptoms only have relevance if someone has
previously recovered from a concussion. If anyone experiences these types of symptoms after
recovering from a concussion, then they should see their doctor about a diagnosis.
Diagnosing PCS is not easy because there is no definite way to diagnose it. When doctors
are unsure what to do a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) may be performed to detect brain abnormalities. (Mayo Clinic Staff). Even a CT scan or
an MRI will not be absolutely revealing of the condition. However, when PCS is diagnosed there
are certain things doctors can do to help patients. For headaches doctors can prescribe medicines
like Topiramates, and for depression patients can be prescribed anti-depressants. There is no
medicine for memory and thinking problems, for time is the best for complete recovery.
Post-concussive syndrome is the lingering of someones symptoms long after having
recovered from a concussion. PCS can be prevented as easily as it happens. Post-concussive
syndrome can be knocked out of the question by avoiding head injuries. Things one can do to
avoid head injuries are easy things like fastening ones seatbelt, using helmets, and making ones
home more safe and friendly to be in. Although, if a concussion occurs, there is no guarantee that
post-concussive syndrome will not develop. PCS is a burden in most peoples lives and effects
daily living. People suffering from PCS headaches can be set off by the slightest wrong noise, a
certain bright light, or even reading or staring at a screen for too long. Doctors have found no
true way to cure post-concussive syndrome, but it can be prevented and be out of the picture.

Townsend 3
Works Cited
"Post-Concussion Syndrome." Www.mayoclinic.org. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research, 19 Aug. 2014. Web. 22 Mar. 2015.
Bowman, Joe. "Post-Concussion Syndrome." Www.healthline.com. Healthline Networks, Inc., 27
Jan. 2014. Web. 22 Mar. 2015.
Ratini, Melinda. "Post-Concussion Syndrome." Www.webmd.com. WebMD LLC, 26 Mar. 2013.
Web. 22 Mar. 2015.