Symptoms sometimes experienced by an individual who has suffered a concussion, including headaches, anxiety, irritability, and minor cognitive impairment.
Postconcussion syndrome is an acquired disorder of the brain, most commonly caused by mild to moderate head trauma. It is defined by a constellation of somatic com¬ plaints, cognitive difficulties, and emotional changes beginning after significant cerebral concussion and persisting for a minimum of 3 months (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Approximately 200,000 children are hospitalized with head injuries each year, and of these children between 30% and 40% meet criteria for diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome 3 months following their head trauma. Follow-up studies indicate that approximately 10% meet full criteria for diagnosis 1 year following their injury.