WHAT IS PCS?
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) may be diagnosed when the symptoms of a concussion are prolonged for more than six weeks. 85% of people who suffer from a concussion will be asymptomatic within two weeks and fully functioning within four. Recovery from PCS, however, can last months to years. All concussions are forms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
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A note on language: Some doctors and researchers are moving away from the term Post-Concussion Syndrome and instead, moving towards the language of Persistent Concussion Symptoms. For inclusivity, we use both of these terms interchangeably.
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In my mind, there are three qualities of Post-Concussion Syndrome that make recovery particularly difficult when compared to other injuries: an unpredictable recovery timeline, the frequent invisibility of injury, and the complexity of our brains.. In order to properly treat Post-Concussion Syndrome, we must consider the biological, psychological, and social impacts concussions often have on individuals.
If you have suffered from PCS, you may have experienced similar transitions in your own life-
The reality of redefining your “new normal” or, the terminology I prefer, your “second self”, requiring you to adjust your management of stress, pain, and relationships.
Grief associated with a loss of identity.
Feeling the need to repeatedly advocate for yourself when doctors, friends, coaches, colleagues and family simplify your symptoms to their own terms.
A myriad of symptoms that may impact physical, cognitive, vestibular, ocular, sleep, emotional, mental and social functioning
