Post-concussion syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome, also known as postconcussive syndrome or PCS, is a set of symptoms that may continue for weeks, months, or a year or more after a concussion – a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The rates of PCS vary, but most studies report that about 15% of individuals with a history of a single concussion develop persistent symptoms associated with the injury. A diagnosis may be made when symptoms resulting from concussion last for more than three months after the injury. Loss of consciousness is not required for a diagnosis of concussion or post-concussion syndrome.
Rivermead post-concussion symptoms questionnaire
Post-concussion syndrome is believed to be able to arise for reasons aside from sustaining a (mild) traumatic brain injury. In one study, health professionals cited organic causes in general as being most responsible for the development of PCS; however, emotional and compensatory causes have also been implicated as factors. For example, depression may contribute to the development or severity of PCS, whether triggered by a physical injury or not. PCS symptoms also overlap with symptoms associated with other conditions, such as chronic pain. Because of this, the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire is useful in the assessment of other conditions besides MTBI-induced PCS. The questionnaire has been used in studies with a slightly altered wording in order to remove references to head injuries, so that test-takers don't assume their symptoms are (or are not) derived solely from a head injury and so the questionnaire can be more broadly utilized.