Head Trauma and Headaches

Post-Concussion Symptoms

While the causes vary, the effects are similar enough to be grouped in a condition that doctors call “post-concussion syndrome.” 

“Headaches are the most common symptom of post-concussion syndrome, but they’re rarely the only symptom,” says Dr. Kile. “Other symptoms can include dizziness, inability to concentrate, memory issues, sleep problems, irritability, anxiety and others. People may have bits and pieces of all of these in varying degrees. But they almost always have headaches.”

 “Post-concussion headaches are often debilitating,” Dr. Kile says. “They’re very intense and typically throb, like a migraine headache. They can include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances—all classic migraine symptoms. People with a personal or family history of migraine may have them, but even people with no migraine history get these migraine-like headaches.” 

Treating Post-Concussion Syndrome

These severe headaches are often what bring patients to Dr. Kile’s concussion clinic. “The headaches are the first things we go after when treating post-concussion syndrome,” Dr. Kile says. “Getting the pain under control allows people to sleep better, which is critical to helping the brain recover. Eliminating the headache pain often improves concentration and other symptoms, as well.”

Doctors may also run blood tests to check for deficiencies. “We look for conditions and deficiencies that might hinder brain recovery,” Dr. Kile says, “such as checking thyroid hormone levels and finding deficiencies in B12 or vitamin D. We also encourage patients to eat a healthy diet, which may help recovery.”

Cognitive rehabilitation is another type of therapy sometimes used to treat patients with post-concussion syndrome. Through cognitive training, people strengthen mental skills weakened by the injury. When an injury prevents a person from recovering skills, cognitive therapy helps the brain learn new skills to replace those lost.

Any injury takes time to mend. That’s especially true of brain injuries. Dr. Kile states, “Most people recover within six to 12 months, but about 10 percent of people continue to experience symptoms for years.” 

The recognition of how common concussions are, especially among soldiers and athletes, has spurred research into treatments. “We’re always looking for ways to promote brain healing. For example, a couple of recent studies show that certain amino acids may help optimize neural repair,” Dr. Kile says. “But the most important message people with post-concussion syndrome need to hear is that, with the right care, it’s possible to get symptom relief and promote brain healing.”