Post Concussive Neurological Deficits 

By Christian King B.Soc.Sci

Brain Injury Center

November 24,2015

Memory, Logic, Reason, and Rationale

Initial days and weeks months following mild traumatic brain injury, results in experience of various symptoms. These set of symptoms fall in different categories i.e. physical (somatic), cognitive (neurological) and emotional (psychological). Symptoms that last from few days to weeks are probably consequences of concussion. Mostly symptoms disappear within three to six months; however, if the symptoms persist for long i.e. almost a year, it perhaps develops into post concussion syndrome (PCS).

The American Congress of Rehabilitation (1995) put forward their point of view regarding post concussive symptoms. According to them at least one of the four symptoms should be demonstrated to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury:
1. Unconsciousness
2. Amnesia (loss of memory)
3. Disruptive mental status
4. Focal neurological deficits

Focal neurological deficits indicate memory and learning deficits. These deficits occur as a result of lesions at the hippocampus and areas surrounding it, basically in temporal lobe. Moreover, distortion and disruption of structures that are related to memory, logic, reasoning, attention and concentration in the frontal and temporal lobe also contribute to post concussive neurological deficits.

Post concussive symptoms appear either immediately or subsequent week of the traumatic injury. However, post concussive neurological deficits appear late. The severity and nature of the symptoms change with the passage of time. The symptoms progressively become less severe; moreover, symptoms transform from physical nature to predominantly psychological. Loss of consciousness and poor memory, reasoning, logic, concentration, attention and judgment mostly are delayed symptoms because they do not appear consistent to traumatic injury. Therefore, these symptoms are called “late symptoms”.

Most frequently reported neurological deficits are confusion, inattention, poor memory (short term memory), impaired reasoning, logic and executive functions. Memory and attention problems are the long lasting problems. These symptoms are not better accounted for by emotional state or any other peripheral injury.

Individuals bearing post concussive neurological deficits mostly manifest persistent poor concentration and exhibit action lapses. Likewise, suffer poor memory, recall and endure mental fatigue. These individuals got easily distracted for e.g. while indulged in one activity, another work or activity related thoughts pops up. These individuals find it difficult to regain the tempo required for particular work.

Futhermore, these severe memory impairment interferes with one’s social, occupational or other important areas of life functioning. A person may have difficulty recalling ones names, things, important meetings and the like.

It is often found difficult to identify exact cause of neurological symptoms, as they appear late after concussion. Therefore, doctors usually recommend other strategies to compensate until the symptoms get resolve. They usually suggest proper sleep, proper diet, avoiding work load, taking complete rest and daily exercise.