Post-concussion syndrome
Disease description:
I had a concussion from a recent impact and have been feeling better lately. I'd like to ask the doctor, are there any sequelae associated with concussion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Concussion is a common type of head injury, usually caused by external impact to the head, such as from traffic accidents, sports injuries, or falls. The essence of a concussion is the temporary displacement of the brain within the skull, which may lead to transient dysfunction of the brain, although it typically does not cause structural damage. However, some patients may experience a series of persistent symptoms following a concussion, collectively referred to as post-concussion syndrome. These symptoms vary widely and mainly include the following aspects:
1. Neurological symptoms: Patients may continuously experience headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, and other symptoms. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months and, in severe cases, may affect daily life and work.
2. Cognitive impairment: Following a concussion, some patients may develop cognitive dysfunction, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking. These symptoms may reduce learning and work efficiency and affect the patient's normal life.
3. Emotional disturbances: Post-concussion syndrome may also manifest as emotional instability, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression. These emotional problems may negatively affect the patient's social and family life.
4. Sleep disturbances: Patients may experience reduced sleep quality, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early morning awakening. Long-term sleep disturbances can further increase the physical and psychological burden on the patient.
5. Long-term effects: Repeated concussions or a severe initial concussion may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a long-term, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health.
It should be noted that the severity and duration of post-concussion symptoms vary from person to person; some patients may fully recover within weeks, while others may face long-term challenges. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are recommended to improve prognosis.
