Postconcussive syndrome: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 31-year-old female presents to the clinic about 6 weeks after a mild head injury from a car accident. She complains of headaches, feeling tired, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Basilar artery rupture
B. Post-concussion syndrome
C. Brain tumor
D. Vertebrobasilar migraine
E. Transient ischemic attack
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Post-concussion syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is defined by a constellation of symptoms that appear after a mild traumatic brain injury. Female and older people are more susceptible to PCS. Clinical features include: headaches, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, insomnia, trouble with concentrating, vision changes, balance issues, and changes in emotions or behaviors. Most patients do improve in 3 months. If patients with PCS who did not have previous imaging they should get a MRI if symptoms continue to persist. Treatment should be individualized to the patient’s complaints.
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