Post-Concussion Syndrome

Most concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) resolve without treatment within a few weeks, and long-term effects are very rare. Some people, however, continue to experience physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms after six weeks, including:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
  • Irritability
  • The sense that you “just don’t feel like yourself”

These patients may have post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussive symptoms, which can make daily life more difficult, both in personal relationships and at work or school. Over time, and especially with treatment, these symptoms will get better. 

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause symptoms similar to a concussion, but individuals with TBIs often experience more severe problems with attention and short-term memory, have difficulty performing daily tasks, and report feeling “slower” overall. 

Difficulty making decisions or processing a lot of information, or trouble resolving problems, can have a significant impact on one’s life. It is important to know that — even years after an injury — these symptoms can get better, especially with treatment from a professional with expertise in brain injury.  

If you would like an evaluation of your symptoms, whether your head injury was a few days ago or years ago, please call our Concussion Hotline at 212-746-1112 or use our online form to request an appointment. You will be seen within 24 to 48 hours.

Dr Stieg Talks About Concussion on CBS Radio

Dr. Stieg Talks About Concussion on WCBS Radio

What our Patients Say

Her active lifestyle had caused some predictable minor injuries before, but this time the young hiker needed professional help getting back on track.
As anyone who’s ever been a parent (or teacher, or pediatrician, or coach) can tell you, children are not just little adults – they are fundamentally different creatures in terms of emotional maturity and mental development. As any doctor can tell...

Our Care Team

  • Clinical Neuropsychologist
  • Associate Professor of Neuropsychology in Neurological Surgery
Phone: 212-746-3356

Reviewed by: Amanda Sacks-Zimmerman, PhD
Last reviewed/last updated: September 2020

Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery 525 East 68 Street, Box 99 New York, NY 10065 Phone: 866-426-7787