Post-concussive symptoms can eventually turn into somatic, cognitive problems, or emotional distresses. The somatic problems could be headaches or fatigue. The cognitive issues could be trouble concentrating or difficulty remembering. The emotional distresses could be depression or frustration

Post Concussion Syndrome

It is not uncommon for patients with mTBI to suffer from symptoms of PTSD. The symptoms can be designated into four different groups. A clinical diagnosis of PTSD requires symptoms from all four groups to be present. This creates an overlap between PCS and PTSD symptoms in the hyperarousal symptom group, difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Studies are now showing that not there is not only an overlap between PTSD and PCS but possible an interaction. This relation can make both distresses worse.

PTSD due to TBI

Depression and anxiety can rise in patients recovering from a TBI. It is often due to loss of employment or social role due to the nature of the healing process. Patients with pre-existing risk factors for mental distresses are at a higher risk of developing symptoms. 

Depression and Anxiety due to TBI

Sleep disturbances effect around 30-70% of patients recovering from TBI. If different areas of the brain get bruised it can affect patients sleep differently. The same principle applies with different points of injury around the spine. Doctors treat the disturbances symptomatically. 

It is also a relatively undocumented area of TBI for a number of reasons. One of which being the growing number of unreported TBI and the other being that patients with TBI are rarely investigated for sleep disorders.

Sleep Disorders due to TBI

- Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
- PTSD
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disorders

Michigan State University

Traumatic Brain Injury, commonly referred to as a TBI for short, is caused by a forceful blow to the head or neck area

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021, June 2). The association of post-concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms with health-related quality of life, health care use and return-to-work after mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of clinical medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8199686/ 

The Association of Post-Concussion and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms with Health-Related Quality of Life 

Physical Symptoms 
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Blurred or double vision
- Light-headedness
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Dizziness or vertigo
Cognitive Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

Traumatic Brain Injury Mental Effects

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2012, November). Traumatic brain injury and sleep disorders. Neurologic clinics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482689/ 

Traumatic Brain Injury and Sleep Disorders

- Sports Injury
- Motor Vehicle Accident
- Fall 

Common Causes of TBI

Getting medical attention after receiving a blow to the head or neck area is extremely important. It is important to get a baseline of where the patient is at initially after the hit to know how the patient is progressing. Aside from the initial tests and questioning it is key that the patient undergo a CT scan to look for a possible brain bleed or other irregularities.

Even if the injury seems minor it is always necessary to be check out by a medical professional to document. It is important to know potential causes of certain diseases later in life such as Dementia, Alzheimer's, or CTE. Adding on to that, being evaluated by a doctor is crucial to be protected in the future. If the patient sustains a second blow to the head before the first fully heals the patient can develop "Second Impact Syndrome" which can be deadly

Importance of Receiving Medical Attention After a Head Injury

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Concussions and how a neuropsychologist helps. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/neuropsychology/concussions 

Concussions and how a Neuropsychologist Helps

References for TBI

References for Mental Health Consequences for Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is linked to psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems. There has been a focus on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral effects of severe TBI, which are considered to be more harmful than physical effects. Moderate and severe TBI have been found to cause personality changes, including impulsivity, severe irritability, affective instability, and apathy. On the other hand, mild TBI has a range of affective symptoms, including suicide, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder. Head impacts, now more common in sports, have emotional and behavioral effects. The article discusses the epidemiology of psychiatric and neurobehavioral problems after TBI in military, civilian, and athletic contexts. 

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