Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can occur after a person suffers from an MTBI. Even minor head injuries run the risk of leading to further symptoms. According to some researchers, there really is no link between the severity of the head injury and the risk of PCS developing.
With estimates putting sports-related head injuries at more than 3 million per year, this makes PCS a major public health concern.
The Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
The primary concern when it comes to a concussion is that it can lead to chronic issues with headaches. This is often the primary symptom used to diagnose PCS. Other symptoms may include insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, and more. As a result, care often focuses on medications that address each individual symptom. Therefore, a person may end up taking painkillers for the headaches, sleep aids, anti-anxiety meds, and so on. Is there a better way?
Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Concussions
When it comes to post-concussion syndrome, many of the symptoms relate to an injury that may have occurred at the time of the head injury. Any time the head is struck hard enough to cause a concussion, it is possible that the vertebrae of the upper neck have become misaligned. When this happens, pressure may be placed on the brainstem, blood flow to the brain may be reduced, or proper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid may be hindered. Any of these factors can contribute to the headaches and other symptoms of PCS.
Thus, it is a good idea to seek the care of an upper cervical chiropractor following any suspected concussion. An examination of the upper cervical spine can reveal such a misalignment, and allow a practitioner to correct it before the symptoms of PCS can present or worsen. If you are already suffering from PCS, an adjustment may help to alleviate some of the symptoms.
References:
Mayo Clinic. Post-concussion syndrome. [homepage on the Internet]. 2014 [cited 2015 Jun 4]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-concussion-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20032705
Leddy JJ, Sandhu H, Sodhi V, Baker JG, Willer B. Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome. Sports Health. 2012;4(2):147-154. doi:10.1177/1941738111433673.
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