Post Concussion Syndrome

Post concussion syndrome is when symptoms last longer than normal after a head injury.

What are the signs or symptoms?

After a head injury, you may:

• Have headaches.
• Feel tired.
• Feel dizzy.
• Feel weak.
• Have trouble seeing.
• Have trouble in bright lights.
• Have trouble hearing.
• Not be able to remember things.
• Not be able to focus.
• Have trouble sleeping.
• Have mood swings.
• Have trouble learning new things.

These can last from weeks to months.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take all medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not take prescription pain medicines.

Activity

• Limit activities as told by your doctor. This includes:
  • Homework.
  • Job-related work.
  • Thinking.
  • Watching TV.
  • Using a computer or phone.
  • Puzzles.
  • Exercise.
  • Sports.
• Slowly return to your normal activity as told by your doctor.
• Stop an activity if you have symptoms.
• Do not do anything that may cause you to get injured again.

General instructions

• Rest. Try to:
  • Sleep 7–9 hours each night.
  • Take naps or breaks when you feel tired during the day.
• Do not drink alcohol until your doctor says that you can.
• Keep track of your symptoms.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You do not improve.
• You get worse.
• You have another injury.

Get help right away if:

• You have a very bad headache.
• You feel confused.
• You feel very sleepy.
• You pass out (faint).
• You throw up (vomit).
• You feel weak in any part of your body.
• You feel numb in any part of your body.
• You start shaking (have a seizure).
• You have trouble talking.

Summary

• Post-concussion syndrome is when symptoms last longer than normal after a head injury.
• Limit all activity after your injury. Gradually return to normal activity as told by your doctor.
• Rest, do not drink alcohol, and avoid prescription pain medicines after a concussion.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse.