A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden or forceful blow to the head. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory issues, and emotional changes. When these symptoms last longer than expected, it may develop into post-concussion syndrome.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms

Post-concussion syndrome refers to the persistence of certain concussion-related symptoms even after the initial injury has healed. Some early symptoms may disappear, while others continue or evolve.

Symptoms can appear in physical, cognitive, and emotional forms:

Physical symptoms

  • Headache

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Sleeping more than usual

  • Sensitivity to sound

  • Dizziness and unstable balance

  • Nausea

  • Vision disturbances

  • Fatigue

Cognitive symptoms

  • Slow or foggy thinking

  • Easily distracted

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Confusion

  • Trouble remembering information

Emotional symptoms

  • Irritability

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

What Causes Post-Concussion Syndrome?

When it happens

Post-concussion syndrome can develop after any head injury that causes a concussion or more severe brain trauma. Falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and physical assaults are common causes.

Why it happens

A concussion can disrupt nerve function and interfere with communication between brain cells, leading to inflammation and lingering symptoms. In some individuals, these underlying disturbances take longer to resolve.

How often it happens

Most people recover from a concussion within days or weeks, but a smaller percentage continue to have symptoms for months.

Why only some people get it

Experts still don’t fully understand why only certain people develop prolonged symptoms. Interestingly, the severity of the initial injury does not consistently predict who will experience long-term effects.

Risk Factors

You may have a higher risk of developing post-concussion syndrome if you:

  • Are a woman

  • Have had a previous concussion

  • Have a history of chronic pain

  • Have experienced mental health challenges

  • Notice severe symptoms soon after your concussion

Even individuals without these risk factors can still develop the condition.

How To Know If You Have It

Diagnosis usually includes two stages: identifying the concussion and later determining whether lingering symptoms qualify as post-concussion syndrome.

How it’s diagnosed

A detailed medical history and physical exam are essential. There is no single test that can detect a concussion. Your provider will ask about the injury, timeline, and symptoms, and may assess neurological functions and overall mental status. In some cases, a psychiatric evaluation may be recommended.

Ruling out other causes

Specialists like ENT or eye doctors may be involved if symptoms such as dizziness or blurred vision persist. Imaging like MRI can help rule out other issues, though results are usually normal in post-concussion syndrome.

When diagnosis occurs

Most clinicians wait until symptoms last at least three months before making an official diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment

Symptoms may gradually fade on their own, but treatment can help reduce discomfort and speed recovery. Management depends on your specific symptoms.

For insomnia

Behavioral adjustments such as regular sleep schedules and reduced caffeine may help. Some individuals benefit from short-term sleep aids or melatonin.

For anxiety or depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also be beneficial.

For headaches

Providers may recommend pain relievers or medications often used for chronic headaches. Techniques that release neck tension—like massage or physical therapy—can also help.

For light sensitivity

Wearing darkened glasses outdoors or in bright environments may reduce discomfort.

For dizziness

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, guided by a trained specialist, can help improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Experts typically discourage complete rest beyond the first few days. Gentle aerobic exercise that does not worsen symptoms may support recovery.

How To Prevent It

The only true prevention is avoiding concussion in the first place. While accidents can’t be completely eliminated, certain steps can reduce risk:

  • Use safety barriers like stair gates for young children

  • Wear seatbelts or appropriate car restraints

  • Use well-fitting helmets during biking or sports

  • Keep living spaces well-lit and obstacle-free

  • Install handrails or use mobility aids if you have a fall risk

Complications

Post-concussion syndrome itself does not cause complications, but repeated concussions can.
Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) results from many repeated head impacts, especially in high-contact sports. When certain brain changes are confirmed after death, it may be referred to as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These conditions cause symptoms like mood changes, movement problems, and cognitive decline.

TES/CTE is not the same as post-concussion syndrome. A single concussion, even one with lingering symptoms, is not believed to cause TES/CTE. Thousands of repetitive impacts over years are the primary risk.

Living With It

Most people with post-concussion syndrome fully recover within a few months. Symptoms can feel discouraging, especially if improvement is slower than expected, and daily activities may be limited at first.

Know that symptoms are typically most intense in the early weeks and then gradually improve. Your healthcare provider may involve specialists who can support different aspects of your recovery.