It has a name

Here is my PSA on all the things I am learning about concussions. 

I have talked to 3 other women who have recently had concussions.  It is a huge relief to know that I am not alone in still feeling the effects almost 3 months later.  

Concussions usually clear in a couple of weeks, but Post-Concussion Syndrome (who knew?  not me.) occurs in a surprisingly large percentage of people who suffer head trauma.  Risk factors are

age

being female (although unclear if this is because women are more likely to seek medical care)

prior concussions

history of headaches

The severity of the concussion does not appear to be a factor in who gets PCS.  

Also it seems to develop in those that get a head injury from a fall or a collision (such as a car accident) rather than from sports. 

It usually comes on about 10 days after the injury and lasts from 3-6 months.  Mostly it manifests as severe fatigue, pressure in the head, headaches, brain fog and can include depression. 

Most importantly, the risk goes way up if one does not COMPLTELY refrain from all physical and cognitive activity immediately after the injury for a period of 2-5 days.  Which means no physical activity, no light, no noise, no computer, no reading, no nothing.

I hope you never know someone who gets a concussion, but just in case, I think this is useful information to know.