Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS)

Post-Concussive Syndrome is a condition where the symptoms of a concussion last for months after the initial injury. In most cases people who experience a concussion will normally have all symptoms resolve within 10-14 days.

However, in Post-Concussion Syndrome these symptoms can last for months and even up to a year or more in some cases.

Symptoms:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vision changes
• Noise or light sensitivity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Poor concentration and memory
• Neck Pain
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Emotional Changes

How We Assess

Patients who are suspected to be suffering from Post-Concussive Syndrome will undergo a systematic assessment with one of our trained physiotherapists. We use a range of evidence-based assessments to examine the patient and determine what area of the body is contributing to the patient’s symptoms. Our physiotherapists will use various techniques and equipment to screen the patient’s vision, oculomotor reflexes, vestibular system, cervical spine, blood flow, and other regions of the brain. From this the physiotherapist can formulate a treatment plan that best suits the individual and their goals.

How We Treat

Post Concussive Syndrome is caused by various mechanisms and patients experience
different symptoms. This means that each patient will receive their own personalised treatment. Some of the treatments we use for the most commonly affected areas of the body are listed below.  

Blood Flow

Some patients may find that they have symptoms when they are exerting to much energy or thinking too much. This is a result of not enough blood and oxygen reaching the brain. To overcome this patient are prescribed an exercise program that slowly builds up their tolerance to exercise and improves symptoms.

Vision/ Vestibular (Inner Ear)

Post Concussive Syndrome often affects patients’ vision and vestibular systems creating unsteadiness, dizziness, and sensitivity to eye/head movements. Treatment of these symptoms usually is through graded exposure to eye and head movements or visual stimuli that is difficult for them. We will also prescribe exercises to improve balance. These treatments lead to a reduction in symptoms and a return to previously difficult activities.

Neck

It takes 70Gs of force for a concussion to occur and only 5Gs of force to strain your neck. This means nearly all patients with a concussion will have some sort of neck dysfunction. Our physiotherapists utilise manual therapy techniques and exercise to treat any stiffness, pain or instability in your neck. We also use specialised equipment like head-mounted lasers and pressure cuffs to retrain and strengthen the deep neck flexor and extensor muscles often involved in neck injuries.