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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffNo specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome exists. Instead, your doctor will treat the individual symptoms you experience. The types of symptoms and their frequency are unique to each person.
Headaches
Medications commonly used for migraines or tension headaches, including some antidepressants, appear to be effective when these types of headaches are associated with post-concussion syndrome. The overuse of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers may contribute to persistent post-concussion headaches.
Physical therapy may be helpful in relieving tension-type headache symptoms.
Memory and thinking problems
No medications are currently recommended specifically for the treatment of cognitive problems after mild traumatic brain injury. Most cognitive problems go away on their own in the weeks to months following the injury. Brief, focused rehabilitation that provides individualized training in how to use a pocket calendar, electronic organizer or other techniques to work around memory deficits is often helpful.
Depression and anxiety
If you're experiencing new or increasing depression or anxiety after a concussion, it may be helpful to discuss this with a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in working with people with brain injury. Medications to combat anxiety or depression also may be prescribed. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome often improve after the affected person learns that there is a cause for his or her symptoms, and that they will likely improve with time. Education about the disorder can ease a person's fears and help provide peace of mind.
- Postconcussion syndrome. In: Goetz C. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151733211-2/866692859/1488/428.html?printi. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Evans RW. Post-concussion syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2009.
- Kirsch TD, et al. Head injury. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=610258. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Ropper AH. Concussion and other head injuries. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2904523. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Ropper AH, et al. Craniocerebral trauma. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3638543. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Traumatic brain injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/detail_tbi.htm. Accessed July 27, 2009.
- Brown AW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 4, 2009.
