The Effects of Post Concussions in Sports

Introduction

Post-concussion syndrome, also known as postconcussive syndrome or PCS, and historically called shell shock, is a set of symptoms that a person may experience for weeks, months, or occasionally years after a concussion-a mild form of traumatic brain injury (abbreviated TBI). PCS may also occur in moderate and severe cases of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of PCS, which is the most common entity to be diagnosed in people who have suffered TBI, may occur in 38-80% of mild head injuries. A diagnosis may be made when symptoms resulting from concussion last for more than three months after the injury, or it may be made starting within a week or ten days of trauma. In late, persistent, or prolonged PCS (PPCS), symptoms last for over six months, or by other standards, three (Taylor, 32-33).

The condition can cause a variety of symptoms: physical, such as headache; cognitive, such as difficulty concentrating; and emotional and behavioral, such as irritability. As many of the symptoms in PCS are common to, or exacerbated by, other disorders, there is a risk of misdiagnosis. Though there is no treatment for PCS itself, symptoms can be treated; medications and physical and behavioral therapy may be used, and patients can be educated about symptoms and their usual prognosis. The majority of PCS cases disappear after a period of time. (Piland, 50-59)

It is not known what causes PCS symptoms to occur and persist, or why some people who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) develop PCS while others do not. The natures of the syndrome and the diagnosis itself have been the subject of intense debate since the 19th century. However, certain risk factors have been identified; for example, preexisting medical or psychological conditions, expectations of disability, and older age all increase the chances that someone will suffer PPCS. Physiological and psychological factors present before, during, and after the injury are all thought to be involved in the development of PCS.

Effects of Post Concussions in Sports

The incidence of head injury varies with the sport and the age of the participants; many head injuries are likely unreported due to their supposed mild nature; mild concussions may go unnoticed by teammates, coaches, and even the athletes themselves.4 An athlete's fear of medical disqualification may also lead to underreporting. Studies of high school athletes show the rate of concussions per 1000 exposures as follows: 0.59 for ...