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What Causes Constant Headaches After A Concussion?
Question: HI i was diagnosed with a concussion.I do not know what to do I have been very stressed lately.My heard hurts every second,I cant concentrate in school I cant sleep.I hear a noise in my left ear.I was told to make a appoinment with a neurologist.My primary doctor had to send a referral for that and it will take about a week more.I am very worried.My headaches have been going on for about two months non stop.
Brief Answer:
Post concussion syndrome, psychotherapy and Ibuprofen should help.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
First of all you should not be afraid. Dangerous complications from concussions happen during the first 24-48 hours, after that complications like hemorrhage are very uncommon and usually in elderly patients. So there isn't something threatening going on.
What you seem to have developed is called post-concussion syndrome (as you have perhaps already been told). It is very common after a concussion. In many patients symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. However most do recover, by the 3rd month two thirds of patients have recovered. Apart from the physical consequences of the concussion itself there are also psychological factors at play perpetuating the symptoms, the stress and anxiety that you feel may be be what is actually fueling these symptoms and making recovery difficult.
Regarding management first step is psychotherapy, based on cognitive behavioral therapy which helps identify anxiety provoking thoughts and addressing them.
As for medication, usually it is preferred to be avoided. For the headache I would advise an anti-inflammatory pain killer instead of tylenol, like Ibuprofen (Advil) 400-600 mg should be more effective. When symptoms persist other medications like antidepressants may be tried (they are first line medications also for headache prevention and anxiety). However at your young age as I said it is preferred to avoid them if possible, so would give psychotherapy a chance first.
It is good that you're seeing a neurologist so that he can exclude other possibilities, but it is unlikely that he will find another diagnoses, shouldn't be overly worried.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Post concussion syndrome, psychotherapy and Ibuprofen should help.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
First of all you should not be afraid. Dangerous complications from concussions happen during the first 24-48 hours, after that complications like hemorrhage are very uncommon and usually in elderly patients. So there isn't something threatening going on.
What you seem to have developed is called post-concussion syndrome (as you have perhaps already been told). It is very common after a concussion. In many patients symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. However most do recover, by the 3rd month two thirds of patients have recovered. Apart from the physical consequences of the concussion itself there are also psychological factors at play perpetuating the symptoms, the stress and anxiety that you feel may be be what is actually fueling these symptoms and making recovery difficult.
Regarding management first step is psychotherapy, based on cognitive behavioral therapy which helps identify anxiety provoking thoughts and addressing them.
As for medication, usually it is preferred to be avoided. For the headache I would advise an anti-inflammatory pain killer instead of tylenol, like Ibuprofen (Advil) 400-600 mg should be more effective. When symptoms persist other medications like antidepressants may be tried (they are first line medications also for headache prevention and anxiety). However at your young age as I said it is preferred to avoid them if possible, so would give psychotherapy a chance first.
It is good that you're seeing a neurologist so that he can exclude other possibilities, but it is unlikely that he will find another diagnoses, shouldn't be overly worried.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi thank you so much for replying back.Do you think it would be better to avoid doing homeowrk and going to school?
Brief Answer:
Only in the initial period, after 2 months not anymore.
Detailed Answer:
After a concussion it is recommended to rest not only physically but also psychologically so it is advised to initially rest from school as well.
However that applies to the first month, may be extended to 6 weeks. Now after 2 months it is advised to gradually return to normal activity (in particular light to moderate intensity exercise is beneficial) so without overworking yourself you should continue your school activities.
Only in the initial period, after 2 months not anymore.
Detailed Answer:
After a concussion it is recommended to rest not only physically but also psychologically so it is advised to initially rest from school as well.
However that applies to the first month, may be extended to 6 weeks. Now after 2 months it is advised to gradually return to normal activity (in particular light to moderate intensity exercise is beneficial) so without overworking yourself you should continue your school activities.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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