Post-concussion syndrome

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Definition

Post-concussion syndrome is a complex disorder in which concussion symptoms — such as headaches and dizziness — last for weeks and sometimes months after the impact that caused the concussion.

Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury, usually occurring after a blow to the head. Loss of consciousness isn't required for a diagnosis of concussion. In some cases, only a brief lapse of memory or a feeling of being dazed is experienced. Between 30 percent and 80 percent of the people who have a mild to moderate brain injury will also experience at least some of the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

Concussion has recently been in the public eye because it is often one of the injuries caused by improvised explosive devices in Iraq. In most people, concussion symptoms occur within the first seven to 10 days and go away within three months. Up to 15 percent have symptoms that persist a year or more.

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Symptoms