Here are some of the more common complications of a concussion. The severity of headaches can vary from tension headaches to full-blown migraines. If symptoms of a concussion persist past the time your healthcare provider said they should go away, speak to your doctor.
Post-Traumatic Vertigo
Post-traumatic vertigo is the dizziness that follows a head or neck injury such as a concussion. There are several types of post-traumatic vertigo. The first is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This is a pattern of dizziness that is brought on only when the head is placed in certain positions or when there’s a change in position. Getting out of bed or rolling over in bed are common movements that will bring on dizziness. After a head injury, scarring of the drainage pathways of the brain may cause fluid to build up and lead to post-traumatic Ménière’s disease, sometimes called hydrops. In this case, episodes of dizziness are accompanied by noises in the ear or hearing changes. The onset of symptoms can be immediate or take as long as one year after the initial trauma. Following a concussion or other head injury, people may also get vertigo when they strain or blow their nose, when they get headaches or migraines, or when there is a change in their psychological state, such as with depression or anxiety. Doctors can diagnose post-traumatic vertigo through an exam and a number of tests that evaluate dizziness, balance, and hearing.
Second Impact Syndrome
Second impact syndrome can occur from even a very mild trauma that takes place within days or even weeks after the initial concussion. It’s vital that athletes and coaches are aware of the signs of concussion to ensure that athletes get adequate time for their brains to heal.
Predisposition to Degenerative Brain Diseases
Over the past few decades, research has linked moderate to severe brain trauma with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Such studies will help researchers better understand the relationship between head trauma and CTE, how to identify it early, and potential treatments.
