Your Comprehensive Guide to Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) Symptoms

If you or your loved one believes they have post-concussion syndrome (PCS), rest assured, the Aviv Clinics team is here to help. We understand how debilitating living with PCS symptoms can be. We also understand how challenging it can be to find answers and solutions.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find essential research-backed details intended to help you better comprehend your condition and the types of treatment options available to you. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to our team.

What Is PCS?

PCS is a condition where concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period.
According to Aviv’s medical team, when concussion symptoms last longer than two weeks, doctors will typically diagnose this as PCS.

PCS can develop after a mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from activities such as a vehicle accident, fall, sports injury, and more.

Post-Concussion-syndrome

What Are the Symptoms of PCS?

The symptoms of PCS can be divided into four categories:

1. Physical

Physical PCS symptoms are the most commonly recognized signs. Individuals with PCS may experience debilitating pain and discomfort such as:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble balancing
  • Vision problems

2. Cognitive

Cognitive issues are often the PCS symptoms that compel patients to seek medical advice. Cognitive PCS symptoms include:

  • Feeling mentally foggy
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Having trouble remembering
  • Being forgetful of recent information and conversations
  • Experiencing confusion about recent events
  • Answering questions slowly

3. Psychological/Emotional

Psychological and emotional symptoms can often be difficult to identify and associate with head injuries. Many people tend to overlook these emotional changes when in reality, these changes can be a manifestation of PCS. These psychological/emotional changes include:

  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • Nervousness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • More emotional in general

4. Sleep

Last but not least, PCS symptoms can manifest in your sleeping patterns. For example, those with PCS may:

  • Feel drowsier than normal
  • Sleep more than usual
  • Sleep less than usual
  • Have trouble falling asleep

If you are experiencing PCS symptoms, contact our team of certified medical professionals today.

PCS Symptoms: Why and How They Happen

When someone experiences a traumatic brain injury (TBI), this blow or jolt to the head makes the head and brain move back and forth rapidly causing sheer force trauma to connective blood vessels and cells in the brain. This sudden movement can:

  • Disrupt blood flow to specific brain regions
  • Trigger chemical changes in the brain
  • Stretch and damage brain cells
  • These activities put stress on your brain and inhibit it from functioning normally.

post-concussion-syndrome-symptoms

Where the damage takes place also plays a relevant role in the type of PCS symptoms that occur.

For example, when head trauma inflicts damage to the frontal lobe of your brain—the area that manages emotional expression, focus, attention, and memory—this may stimulate emotional/behavioral changes and cognitive shifts.

How Soon Can Symptoms of PCS Start?

Symptoms of PCS start to show weeks after concussion when a concussion or TBI survivor just isn’t getting better. Over time, symptoms may not go away or may exacerbate. Symptoms can also appear later on in life.

How Long Can Symptoms of PCS Last?

PCS symptoms can last anywhere from weeks to years. The sooner you address your symptoms and get help, the more likely you’ll be able to get back to your normal activities, and for some people, get back to your normal personality traits. There are risks of waiting too long to treat your post-concussion syndrome, which brings us to our next point.

What Are the Consequences of Waiting Too Long to Treat PCS Symptoms?

PCS symptoms can turn permanent if not addressed soon enough. According to Aviv’s team of certified physicians, usually, after three months, PCS turns into persistent PCS. And after a year, PCS symptoms can turn chronic. Keep in mind, it doesn’t matter where or how you receive your head injury—these factors do not necessarily impact the severity of your PCS.

As Dr. Mohammed Elimar, MD, FACP, states, “The brain does not discriminate over what is causing the injury, and it doesn’t really discriminate the injury itself.”

Thus, staying aware of your body is essential. Speak with a doctor if you feel anything out of the ordinary. As we noted earlier, when concussion symptoms last for over two weeks, that’s your cue to seek medical consultation.

What Are the Different Forms of Treatment for PCS Symptoms?

The good news is, there are various treatments available to help mitigate your PCS symptoms. Each method holds unique strengths that may target the specific symptoms you are experiencing.

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy involves a variety of techniques that train your visual system. Those who may benefit from this are people who experience eye pain, vision problems, dizziness, and headaches.

Clinical studies show patients who have post-concussion vision issues notice improvement after participating in vision therapy.

Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation (NOR)

Neuro-optometric rehabilitation (NOR) therapy uses therapeutic prisms, lenses, and filters to stimulate parts of the brain that are not functioning properly. Those suffering from visual injuries and complications may find relief through NOR.

There is growing evidence NOR can enhance visual skills and reduce post-concussion visual symptoms.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapy (PT) is a form of care that aims to ease pain and help you move and live better. This may include massage, range of motion stretching, exercises, and heat treatments.

PT may be good for those who struggle with physical symptoms of PCS. One small study where participants averaged 6.8 PT sessions reported that their physical symptoms became more manageable after treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that addresses problems such as depression and anxiety. CBT generally strives to change thinking and behavioral patterns. Studies indicate CBT may be an effective treatment method for improving anxiety and depression in those with TBI.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a subset of psychology that focuses on how the brain and nervous system influence your thoughts and behaviors. It takes an educational approach, teaching patients about their minds and engaging in unique exercises.

Neuropsychology may be ideal for those with memory and concentration issues as well as anxiety and depression. Research notes neuropsychology may play a vital role in helping better understand the link between the area of injury in the brain and their PCS condition.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment method that increases oxygen levels in the brain and body.

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Here’s how HBOT works:

  • Patients enter a room called a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, or suite, and receive treatment for one to two hours. In this suite, the air is pressurized 10 – 15 times higher than normal air levels.
  • Patients breathe in 100% pure oxygen via a mask while in the suite.
  • Patients keep the oxygen mask on for 20 minutes and then spend five minutes with the oxygen mask off.

Studies illustrate that HBOT delivered in this way encourages neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to modify and adapt based on environmental interactions—essentially rewiring itself, which may:

  • Repair chronically damaged brain functions and tissues
  • Improve the overall quality of life for patients with PCS

Additional research shows HBOT can significantly improve “memory, executive functions, information processing speed, and global cognitive scores.”

For more research insights, explore the data and studies conducted by The Sagol Center.

Aviv Clinic’s Treatment for PCS Symptoms

Aviv’s Medical Program takes a holistic approach that encompasses several of the areas we discussed above. We leverage the expertise of a diverse team of medical professionals based on your health assessment.

Aviv takes a three-step approach:

  1. In-depth medical assessment: We start with a comprehensive health assessment with advanced brain imaging exams (perfusion MRI, fMRI, SPECT, etc.). The goal is to attain a holistic and accurate understanding of your mind and body and to map a treatment plan that will maximize the program’s results.
  2. Tailored treatment program: The Aviv medical team will craft a personalized treatment program based on your medical assessments. This may entail brain and physical training, HBOT sessions, and a nutritional regimen. The goal is to maximize your body’s healing process.
  3. Post-treatment assessment: The Aviv team will repeat the medical assessment to measure your progress and make relevant recommendations moving forward.

pcs

Benefits of our program include improved:

  • Cognitive and motor functioning
  • Physical performance (fitness, strength, coordination, balance)
  • Immune system
  • Stem cell growth (the building blocks of tissue rejuvenation)
  • Neuronal blood flow

At Aviv, our multidisciplinary medical team of physicians, neuropsychologists, physiologists, physical therapists, dieticians, and more ensures you’re provided with the thorough medical treatment you deserve.

The Bottom Line

Before you pursue a treatment plan, keep three things in mind:

  • Speak with a physician first about your symptoms and health history. This can help them gain a comprehensive assessment and provide a personalized treatment plan.
    You can speak to an Aviv physician at the clinic or over a virtual meeting, for free.
  • Be patient. Finding the right combination of therapies that work for you may take some time, but don’t give up. With the right medical program, you can receive the holistic treatment you deserve and find some relief.
  • TBI and concussion can affect everyone of all ages. Thus, there is no standard/solid timeline for recovery. It may take a few weeks or more to see improvement.
  • Read about using HBOT to address TBI and concussion.

Feel Your Best with Aviv

There is hope. If you feel you’ve been experiencing symptoms of PCS, contact Aviv Clinics. We’ll put you in touch with our certified team of physicians who can help craft a customized plan to aid in your healing process. Focused on service, safety, and comfort, Aviv Clinics is your first stop in getting back to optimal health and back to life.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Benefits for Athletes

Athletes are always looking for their next “win,” whether they are at the professional level or a weekend warrior. But, in doing so, they also encounter several challenges. Fatigue and injuries can seriously damage one’s competitive edge. In some cases, an injury or recurring injury forces athletes to abandon their sport entirely.

In recent years, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proven to be an effective way to address injuries, aid in recovery, and improve athletic output—both mentally and physically. Even if you’re an amateur athlete who is just passionate about your sport of choice, HBOT is a viable way to take your performance to the next level.

Learn all about the hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits for athletes and how you can get started.

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4 Ways Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Optimizes Athletic Performance

There are four main HBOT benefits for athletes

1. Increased Energy and Physical Performance

HBOT encourages the body to heighten its aerobic stamina, benefits include:

  • Higher strength and endurance
  • Increase mitochondria efficiency 
  • Enhance maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max)

2. Accelerated Recovery 

Studies speak volumes about  HBOT’s transformative impact on physical athletic performance:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving tissue metabolism
  • Increasing oxygen supply to injured tissues
  • Enhancing stem cell proliferation and migration to injured tissues
  • Safely reducing downtime and allowing a faster return to the competitive arena

Watch: Tommy Fleetwood, six-time DP World Tour winner and Ryder Cup player – enhanced athletic performance at Aviv Clinics:

3. Improved Mental Clarity 

Cognitive performance, which is a foundational focus of the Aviv Medical Program, plays a crucial role in athleticism. Intensity, focus, and attention support the physical fundamentals of any sport. Research illustrates patients who have undergone HBOT experience improvement in areas such as attention, focus, and information processing speed—all of which contribute to better athletic performance. 

Alon Day, a three-time European NASCAR champion, also benefited from the program. Unlike other sports, race car driving is about intense, small motor movements. Race car drivers require significant grip strength to control the steering wheel at high speeds. 

Racing requires intense cognitive focus for an extended period. This is one area where Day made significant strides. Small movements of the hand and foot can make the difference between finishing first or crashing. After completing the Aviv Medical Program, Alon achieved measured improvement in cognitive function.

“There is nothing like it in the world. You cannot go to the gym and get the same results. When I came over there every morning, I felt like I was a bionic man, being in the hyperbaric chamber at the cutting edge of medicine. At the end of the hyperbaric treatment, when the season started, I was at my best. I won the championship, and I broke every record. In my opinion, this treatment is for whoever needs to be on top of their game.”

4. Better Sleep

Sleep is imperative to restoring the body after a hard workout. But sometimes, depending on injuries, daily stressors, and the pressure athletes face, getting consistent quality sleep is easier said than done. The good news is that research indicates the cognitive and physical improvements that come with HBOT help improve sleep quality

Dylan Hartley’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy experience

Dylan Hartley, former England Rugby captain who suffered from post-concussion syndrome (PCS) due to repeated traumatic brain injuries has seen considerable improvement in his overall health after receiving treatment for head injury at Aviv Clinics Dubai in JLT. Read more about Dylan’s story

PCS can have significant consequences for both football and rugby players. PCS refers to a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms following a concussion or traumatic brain injury, even years after the initial injury. PCS can have long-term effects on athletes’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being that may persist or even worsen for the rest of their life.

The only therapy proven effective is based on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol with fluctuations in oxygen and pressure to repair the concussed brain by inducing neuronal stem cells proliferation, generation of new blood vessels and improving brain metabolism. The needed HBOT protocol must be administered by a professional medical team with medical grade equipment that can deliver the exact treatment protocol proved to be effective.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help athletes of all ages

Watch Dr. Maroon explain why he not only recommends the hyperbaric oxygen protocols of the Aviv Medical program to patients with concussive injury to the brain, but also how his own participation in the program has improved his athletic performance and recovery times.

When 14-year-old Linden Perry suffered from post-concussion syndrome due to a sports injury, she regained her health and performance through a holistic treatment program—one that entailed HBOT, cognitive, and physical training. The personalized treatment plan left Perry more energized and gave her the confidence to continue to excel in her athletic programs. 

Which Hyperbaric Chambers for Athletes Are Most Beneficial?

While all hyperbaric chambers have the same goal—to deliver 100% oxygen in a high-pressure environment—not all chambers are created equally. There are different types of chambers that each possess a unique process.

  • Monoplace chambers administer oxygen to one person at a time. The chamber’s structure reflects a tube or cylinder in which individuals lie in a horizontal position.
  • Soft-side monoplace chambers are more “portable” than the rigid cylindrical HBOT chambers made of glass or plastic. But, it also cannot reach the level of pressurization to produce high-level results.

But neither of these chambers allows for the one key ingredient needed to achieve groundbreaking results: oxygen fluctuation.

Multiplace Chambers/Suites

Multiplace chambers or “suites,” such as the one at the Aviv Clinics facility in Dubai, utilize the science behind oxygen fluctuations in a pressurized environment. This mechanism produces the underlying elements of enhanced athletic performance, including:

  • New stem cells. Stem cells can exist as any cell type in the human body. As it relates to physical performance, stem cell production supports the heart, lungs, and muscles. Lungs breathe deeper and more efficiently, allowing athletes to perform at a higher level for longer periods without becoming winded. The heart is able to pump out more oxygenated blood to other organs and muscles, and muscle growth occurs at a faster pace.
  • Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). HIF plays a role in angiogenesis, or the creation of new blood vessels. With more routes for blood to travel throughout the body—to the heart, lungs, and muscle tissue—more oxygen is also getting to those areas. This prevents fatigue and muscle soreness. HIF is also instrumental in creating new red blood cells, ensuring that maximum oxygen flow goes to the organs.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that gets released during HBOT treatments and “signals” blood vessel formation. Again, the more blood that can flow to key areas of the body, the higher one’s athletic capacity.

How Can Athletes Gain the Greatest Competitive Advantage?

With Fleetwood and Day—and any athlete looking to reap the benefits of a hyperbaric chamber—it’s not just about the oxygen, or even the oxygen fluctuations. Athletes need to incorporate additional components to reach their full potential.

Fleetwood and Day both experienced brain-based enhancements thanks to the cognitive training included in the Aviv Medical Program. Nutrition is another area athletes need to be cognizant of, especially when pushing their bodies to maximum output.

A comprehensive program also considers athletes’ unique goals—whether they’re coming off their sports season and are looking to facilitate recovery or want to start a new season in peak physical condition. 

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a professional athlete or simply want to advance your athletic capabilities to their best potential, HBOT can help. To truly transform your game, the comprehensive approach of the Aviv Medical Program is second to none in achieving peak performance.

Athletes who go through the Aviv Medical Program may undergo HBOT along with physical, cognitive, and nutritional training. This holistic program is key to helping our patients enhance their health for the long run. 

Contact us to learn more about how the Aviv Medical Program can help you achieve your goals.