There’s no specific treatment for persistent post-concussive symptoms. Your healthcare professional treats your symptoms. The types of symptoms and how often they occur varies from person to person.
Headaches
Medicines that are often used for migraines or tension-type headaches may help. These may include medicines for treating depression, high blood pressure and seizures. Medicines are usually specific to the individual, so talk to your healthcare professional about which are best for you.
Keep in mind that the overuse of pain medicine may contribute to persistent post-concussive headaches. This is known as medication overuse headache. This can happen with pain medicine you get by prescription or that you buy at the store without a prescription.
Memory and thinking problems
Time may be the best therapy for memory and thinking problems after mild traumatic brain injury. Most of these symptoms go away on their own in the weeks to months after the injury, but using a notebook or visual cues may help you manage these symptoms as your brain heals.
Certain forms of cognitive therapy may be helpful, including focused rehabilitation in the areas that you need to strengthen. Some people may need occupational or speech therapy. Stress can make cognitive symptoms worse, so learning how to manage stress can be helpful. Relaxation therapy also may help.
Dizziness or vertigo
Dizziness is feeling faint, woozy or not steady. Vertigo is a false sense that your surroundings are moving. Dizziness and vertigo symptoms can be treated by a physical therapist specifically trained to treat balance symptoms.
Sleep symptoms
Trouble sleeping and other sleep symptoms are common after a concussion. Learning about good sleep habits, known as sleep hygiene, can help. This includes going to bed and waking up on a regular schedule. Sometimes medicines may be needed to improve sleep.
Vision
Vision changes also are common after concussion. These include blurry vision and sometimes double vision. Often vision changes get better on their own. Some people with persistent post-concussive symptoms may need to see a specialist who treats visual symptoms related to traumatic brain injuries, known as a neuro-optometrist.
Sensitivity to light and sound
For some people with persistent post-concussive symptoms, light and sound are bothersome. These symptoms tend to get better with time. But exposure therapy with a physical or occupational therapist may help these symptoms.
Irritability, depression and anxiety
Symptoms often improve once you understand the cause of your symptoms and that symptoms are likely to get better with time. Learning about persistent post-concussive symptoms can help ease fears and offer some peace of mind. If you have new or increasing depression or anxiety after a concussion, some treatment options may include:
- Psychotherapy. Talking with a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker who works with people who have had a brain injury may help.
- Medicine. Medicines can treat depression and anxiety.
- Physical activity. Early, gradual exercise that avoids reinjury may help you feel better.
