The Integrated Brain Centers team includes a Neuro-Optometry specialist who can provide vision rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms of post-concussion syndrome. Additionally, a Neuropsychologist assesses the nature and extent of the brain injury and develops compensatory strategies. The treatment team meets regularly to discuss each patient’s progress and determine individualized goals.
Further research is necessary to distinguish post-concussion symptoms from other factors. A better understanding of post-concussion symptoms will only come from longitudinal studies in pediatrics and adults.
Integrated Brain Centers and postconcussive syndrome
Integrated Brain Centers utilizes a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to treat functional deficits associated with concussion and traumatic brain injury. People who have had a concussion often experience various symptoms and neurologic mysteries. For example, some people have difficulty concentrating, multitasking, or have slower processing speed. Other symptoms may include changes in mood or behavior, such as panic attacks or irrational anger. Seizures and sleep disorders are also common. Ultimately, the postconcussive syndrome can lead to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.
Even though post-concussion syndrome is an invisible illness, many people are often uncomfortable seeking help for their symptoms. This makes it difficult to explain the condition to a doctor, and some doctors don’t take it seriously.
Recall biases
Recall biases have been associated with increased post-concussion symptoms among people who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the role of this bias is largely debated. Some studies apply the biopsychosocial model to explain the post-concussion symptoms, while others have found associations with malingering, exaggeration, and misattribution.
To address this issue, longitudinal studies of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children, adolescents, and adults are needed. These studies can help improve the treatment of post-concussion syndrome and reduce the substantial socioeconomic burden of these symptoms.
Identifying the cause of postconcussive symptoms
Identifying the cause of post-conclusive symptoms is the first step in treating concussion. Symptoms are caused by the dysfunction of neurovascular coupling – the connection between neurons and blood vessels. When this relationship is disrupted, the immune system inflames the injured area. In turn, this leads to the temporary breakdown of tiny structures in the affected area of the brain.
Symptoms may persist for days, weeks, or even months after a head injury. If these symptoms continue to recur for more than a month after the initial injury, the patient should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Most patients recover within a week or two, but 20% may experience chronic postconcussive symptoms that last months or even years. The severity and type of postconcussive symptoms are unique to the individual, and identifying the underlying cause of the symptoms will help the medical team tailor their treatment to the patient’s needs. Certain patients are at increased risk for persistent symptoms, including women, people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, and those who suffer from preexisting mental health problems.
Identifying the cause of PCS
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a neurological disorder caused by a mild traumatic brain injury. The signs and symptoms usually last at least four weeks and may require medical intervention. Although these symptoms are common, it is essential to note that other conditions may also cause them.
The symptoms of PCS can interfere with daily activities, lead to distress, and affect the quality of life. The condition is thought to result from damage to the brain’s neurons and abnormal processing of external stimuli. Typically, the brain filters out irrelevant information in the visual landscape and selects what is important to focus on. However, when the brain is injured, it experiences a sensory overload, which results in a stress response called PCS.
