Post Traumatic Syndrome

Post traumatic syndrome is also known as post-concussive syndrome. It can easily be confused with Post traumatic stress disorder but is fundamentally a different diagnosis. Post-concussive syndrome or PCS, which used to be known as shell shock is the set of symptoms experienced after a concussion. You could think of it as a mild form of traumatic brain injury(TBI). Sometimes the symptoms can last up to a year and include headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability and can be emotional and behavioral. The good news is that the majority of individuals with PCS do get better in time.

Because of other factors that often contribute with these type of symptoms, there is a risk of misdiagnosis. It is also not completely understood what causes PCS symptoms to persist or why some people who suffer a mild traumatic brain injury do not develop PCS. The whole diagnosis of PCS and it's symptoms have been debated since the 19th century.

Although I agree that sometimes there is a need for medication, I am a strong advocate of alte
ative complementary medicine and have directly experienced healing using those methods. With this type of head injury it may be best to combine specific medication with natural therapies such as diet and energy work. My research indicates that some patients had success using Effexor and Elavil which are classified as antidepressants but used in low doses helped to re-establish nerve pathways in the brain. Also, some people noticed a big improvement adding high quality fish oil, magnesium and CQ-10 into their diet.
For some there may be cognitive or mental symptoms including confusion, problems with attention or even forms of amnesia. Studies have shown that one in four people with PCS suffer with memory and attention problems a year after the injury. It seems that most of the experts believe prolonged symptoms come from a mix of factors such as the individual's preexisting psychological issues and of course the physical injury itself.

It is in these higher mental functions that natural, holistic healing therapies can greatly improve the condition. Meditation, for example, when learned from an experienced teacher for maximum results, can immensely improve concentration, relaxation and even mood. Considering the fact that studies have convincingly shown that psychological factors play an important role in how symptoms are experienced, patients should use any techniques that strengthen, relax and clear the mind.

Say, for example, a person who has PCS is having problems at work or in social settings. This will most likely act as added stress that can amplify and even worsen their symptoms. Also they may be focusing on the idea that their brains may be damaged and perceive the symptoms to be more intense. The mind can definitely play tricks on us, but with meditation, relaxation and healing techniques that calm our mental state and therefore our actual brainwaves, we allow the body's own healing mechanisms to work properly.