After struggling for over a year with some difficult and confusing symptoms which emerged after a traumatic brain injury last May, I finally did the needed research yesterday. I found that I have been contending with a well-known set of symptoms called post-concussion syndrome.
I know, I’ve made a few jokes about my spaced out condition, but I finally decided my difficulties were no joke to me because they continue to get in the way of my work and my relationships with others.
Here are some of the primary symptoms of post-concussion syndrome:
- Attention deficits, difficulty sustaining mental effort
- Fatigue
- Impulsivity, irritability
- Low frustration threshold
- Temper outbursts and mood changes
- Learning and memory problems
- Impaired planning and problem solving
- Inflexibility
- Lack of initiative
- Dissociation between thought and action
- Communication difficulties
- Socially inappropriate behaviors
- Self-centeredness and lack of insight
- Poor self-awareness
- Impaired balance, dizziness and headaches
Medications and cognitive rehabilitation have been found to be ineffective in treating these symptoms, but neurotherapy (EEG biofeedback) has found some success in teaching the injured patient how to promote normal functioning in the brain by normalizing dysfunctional brainwave patterns.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Head injury, is of course, one of my greatest fears (as a former-ish hypochondriac). I wish you the best of luck in continuing your recovery.
Thanks Rhea.
I’m sorry that you are dealing with this frustrating condition. I have been diagnosed with PCS after a head injury 3 months ago, and nothing has helped me. I decided a few days ago that I need to talk to other people who are dealing with this too. As wonderful as my husband and family are, they really cannot fully understand what I’m going through.
Dear Kate:
I have no idea if our injuries are similar, but I’m happy to report that after a little over a year my brain seems lots better! Almost back to normal. I guess it takes a while for the brain to re-route itself in some new way.
Good Luck,
Laura Lee
I have been dealing with my post concussion syndrome for 5 months now. I was beginning to feel so much better and was up to working 6-7 hours a day. I think I was feeling too good and hence, over did it!!! I find myself easily irritated, overwhelmed and getting that “spacey” feeling all over again. I guess I need to just know that others are out there dealing with the same thing. Thanks for listening.
Nancy:
It does takes lots of time to heal, but you also might like to check out brain integration therapy. I’ve been enjoying these treatments. -Laura Lee