Postconcussion syndrome, also known as postconcussive syndrome, is characterized by physical and emotional disturbances occurring after mild traumatic brain injury with or without loss of consciousness. Some symptoms begin immediately after the head injury, while others may start days or weeks later.

Symptoms include headache, dizziness, photophobia, phonophobia, tinnitus, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory problems, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and fatigue.

The severity of the head injury does not clearly correlate with the risk of developing postconcussion syndrome. Most patients recover within 6 months after injury, although symptoms can persist for a year or more in some cases.

Related topic: Concussion