Post Concussion Syndrome: The Right Path to Recovery
Are you not back to work like you thought you would be?
Are your family and friends making comments similar to, “You’re still not better from that?”
Do you feel pressure to perform tasks before you are feeling ready or capable?
Are perceivably “easy” tasks taking more time, or energy than they should?
Are you avoiding people and/or having difficulty with starting and completing projects?
Post Concussion Syndrome occurs when your concussion symptoms last longer than the predicted recovery time of the original injury.
Your concussion may still be lingering for several reasons and the symptoms can look different in everyone. You can be suffering from one or more of these types of lingering PCS symptoms.
There are 6 different types of concussions, and each one can/should be treated a different way for optimal recovery. People can suffer for years because they are not aware of the right recovery path for them and their symptoms.
It can be hard to find the right path for recovery for you since someone with PCS can experience only one of these groups of symptoms, or they can experience symptoms from all of these groups.
The question is: Which concussion type and symptoms do you suffer from, and which is the best path for you?
Let’s start by reviewing the 6 different types of concussions: Cognitive/fatigue, ocular, cervical, post-traumatic, vestibular, and Anxiety/mood.
Now let’s look deeper into each one, the different symptoms that they can come with, and what therapy approach would work best for you.
Cognitive/ Fatigue:
Cognitive/Fatigue concussions can make complex mental tasks or prolonged mental tasks increasingly difficult, and they can cause exhaustion throughout the day. Some common symptoms of this particular type of concussion are decreased concentration, difficulty retaining new information, inability to multitask, and increased distractibility.
Possible Therapy Approach:
Speech Therapy-Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Neuropsychology – Neuropsychological testing and therapies
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Pituitary Function
Ocular:
Ocular concussions can cause difficulty with visual tasks like reading, writing, or looking at computer screens, television screens, or cell phones.
Double Vision as objects move closer
Possible Therapy Approach:
Physical Therapy- VRT (Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy)
Occupational Therapy (OT)-Vision Therapy (oculomotor training)
Cervical:
Cervical concussions can create problems with stress and/or pressure on the neck, spine or spinal cord. When suffering from this type of concussion you might notice unceasing headaches.
Possible Therapy Approach:
Physical Therapy- Manual Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Craniosacral- PT / OT
D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – Manipulation
ENT
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Pituitary Function
Post-Traumatic:
Post-traumatic concussions can lead to a change in your normal routine, like a lack of will to participate in previously enjoyable activities such as concerts, or dinner parties. Or even a change in your sleeping schedule. Symptoms you might experience are headaches, nausea, or sensitivity to light and/or noise.
Possible Therapy Approach:
Speech Therapy-Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Neuropsychology – EMDR
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Pituitary Function
Meditation
MNRI Trauma Therapy – Contact our clinic for more information
Vestibular:
Vestibular concussions can create trouble with balance, vision, and/or movement. It can affect the way you interpret motion, coordination, and balance upon head movement.
Possible Therapy Approach:
Physical Therapy – Vestibular therapy
ENT
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Pituitary Function
Occupational Therapy – Sensory Modulation and Community Reentry
Anxiety/Mood:
Anxiety or Mood concussions can cause you to have excessive worries or concerns. You may find it difficult to turn off your thoughts or find a change in your ability to socially interact with others.
Can worsen if you avoid routine activities because of your concussion.
Possible Therapy Approach:
Speech Therapy-Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)
Occupational Therapy (OT) – Sensory Modulation and Community Reentry
Neuropsychology – EMDR
Neuroendocrine Assessment of Pituitary Function
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Neuropsychological testing and therapies
Psychiatry- Look into GeneSight Genetic Testing
Meditation – Mindfulness training
Do not underestimate the importance of treating your Post Concussion Syndrome the correct way. PCS takes a team approach and careful attention to the type of concussion that you suffer from. No two concussions can be treated the same and finding an expert in PCS is critical for optimal recovery. If previous therapy made the symptoms worse, it could be because the concussion was not properly treated. Even so, treatment and recovery are still possible, no matter how many months or years these symptoms have remained. Galaxy has experts that are ready and eager to help.
Written by: Asma Gundy, Summer Works Intern, Galaxy Brain and Therapy Center