Exercise May be Best Medicine to Treat Post-concussion Syndrome

Researchers from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, are developing a new treatment program for patients who suffer from post-concussion syndrome (PCS). PCS is defined by three or more concussion symptoms that persist for at least three weeks after the injury. Although treatments in the past have been largely unsuccessful, a regulated exercise routine is among the first to offer hope for those who suffer from PCS. Researchers initially wondered if athletes who suffer from PCS could exercise at a level that wouldn’t bring out their symptoms, but would still allow them to stay conditioned during their recuperation period. After researchers developed a low-level exercise program, patients were asked to keep track of their symptoms over the course of several months. Researchers found that gradual exercise, rather than rest alone, helped to better restore the balance of the brain’s auto-regulation mechanism, controlling blood pressure and blood supply to the brain. To read more about this study, click here.