POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME
What is PCS?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition where symptoms following a brain injury last three months or longer. Athletes may not return to play while PCS is present and those who suffer from it have an increased risk of depression.

What are the symptoms?
Those who suffer from PCS experience ongoing symptoms that can include light and noise sensitivity, headache, nausea, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, depression, cognitive problems involving memory, concentration, and thinking.
What is the treatment?
Most people are able to recover with rest and minimizing stress. Additionally, health care providers may treat a PCS patient's symptoms with medication, physical therapy, vestibular therapy, psychotherapy and/or neurotherapy.
What should everyone be aware of?
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Children and teens are more likely to get a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, and take longer to recover than adults.
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TBI symptoms may appear mild, but the injury can lead to significant life-long impairment affecting an individual's memory, behavior, learning and/or emotions. Appropriate diagnosis, management and education are critical for helping young athletes with a TBI recover quickly and fully.
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During the last decade, ED visits for sports- and recreation-related TBIs, including concussions, among children and adolescents increased by 60%.
"I used to think basketball was my life, but there is a big difference between what defines your life and what your passion is. A sport is just that, a passion. Your faith, family and your friends...that's your life."
--Kylee Bliss (written on June 6, 2014, late one night when she couldn't sleep, another PCS symptom)
Saint Luke’s White Coat & Pinning Ceremony October 2017
Kylee was the recipient of the Service Excellence Award - Prevention from the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Oct. 6, 2018.
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In April 2019, Kylee graduated from Saint Luke's College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Kylee Bliss graduated from Blue Valley High School in 2014, Saint Luke's College of Nursing in 2019 and is now a nurse at a Kansas City area hospital. She sustained two concussions within two months while playing basketball her sophomore year at BVHS and is no longer allowed to play any contact sports which were a major part of her life and what she thought defined her as a person. She learned that isn't the case and while it was a long road of recovery, she realized something great has come out of the experience. She has a passion for sharing her experience to help prevent post-concussion syndrome and provide support to those who are suffering. Click below to read her story.