Post-Concussion Syndrome

• The fragility of the brain has been recognized for centuries.

• There is a tremendous amount of misinformation about Post-Concussion Syndrome. Most lay people believe that a concussion occurs only when a person hits their head, and that they must also lose consciousness as well. Both of these beliefs are myths

• To compound this problem further, a recent survey found that approximately 24% of family and orthopedic medical doctors questioned the authenticity of PCS as well as the validity of whiplash.

• A concussion can occur from striking an object such as the steering wheel, windshield, or other object in the vehicle. It can also occur as the head moves during the whiplash phase. The skull at that time will move, and because the brain lies relatively free in the skull, the inside of the skull may concuss the brain as the head rotates backwards or as it is accelerated forward.

• A 46% abnormal electroencephalogram EEG rate was reported in a study on whiplash patients. Another study showed non-contact injuries can result in cerebral concussion and bleeding on the surface of the brain.
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of PCS may be hard to distinguish from the common symptoms of whiplash injuries. These include some of the following.
  1. Headaches are not only soft tissue related and can be the result of PCS.
  2. Dizziness is a common symptom of PCS.
  3. Hearing loss can be the result of many causes. It is a very serious symptom and you should consult with a qualified physician immediately!
  4. Visual symptoms are also common, and serious pathology should be ruled out.
  5. Smell and taste are two sensations that can be damaged by head trauma. These are very serious symptoms, and you should consult with a qualified physician immediately!
  6. Cognitive dysfunction is a well documented symptom of whiplash injuries. Functions which can be disturbed include information, processing speed, attention, memory for new information and reaction time.
  7. Sleep disturbances can also occur including lethargy, drowsiness, and fatigue.

Warning Signs

• The following is a list of important considerations in the suspicion of brain injuries.
  
  1. Did you hit your head in the accident?
  2. Did you lose consciousness in the accident?
  3. Did you experience amnesia?
  4. Have you experienced confusion, and have family and friends noticed any personality changes or a loss of cognitive function?
  5. Are you forgetful about things you normally would not be forgetful about?
  6. Have your motor skills been worse since the accident? Have you been more clumsy since the accident?
  7. Have you noticed an increased sensitivity to noise or light?
  8. Have you experienced lethargy, dizziness, or drowsiness?

Treatment

• Time is the only real treatment for mild concussion. It is important and greatly reassuring for patients to understand the nature of their condition, as they can then better realize that their complaints are not crazy or unique, but are actually part of a well described syndrome.
  

When in doubt, visit a qualified physician!