A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause long lasting effects on brain tissue and chemical changes in the brain. A concussion may cause physical, cognitive and behavioral problems in an individual, both short term and long term.
Symptoms of a concussion can include:
Physical symptoms
- Headache,
- Dizziness,
- Difficulty with balance and coordination,
- nausea/vomiting,
- Fatigue,
- Difficulty sleeping,
- Double or blurred vision,
- Sensitivity to light and sound,
- Slurred speech,
- Glassy-eyes stare
- Seizures,
Cognitive symptoms
- Memory difficulties
- Confusion
- Slowed “processing” (decreased ability to think through problems)
- Fogginess
- Difficulty concentrating
- Worsening grades in school
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Aggression
- Decreased tolerance of stress
- Change in personality or behavior
Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) is the term applied to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or memory/learning problems that persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. A physical therapist can help treat both the physical and cognitive symptoms associated with an acute concussion and PCS.
