Postconcussive Syndrome Following Sports-related Concussion: A Treatment Overview for Primary Care Physicians

South Med J. 2015 Sep;108(9):553-8. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000340.

Abstract

Postconcussive syndrome is an increasingly recognized outcome of sports-related concussion (SRC), characterized by a constellation of poorly defined symptoms. Treatment of PCS is significantly different from that of SRC alone. Primary care physicians often are the first to evaluate these patients, but some are unfamiliar with the available therapeutic approaches. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of SRC and descriptions of both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options to allow primary care physicians to provide evidence-based care to patients experiencing postconcussive syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amantadine / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Athletic Injuries / complications*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dopamine Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Physicians, Primary Care
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / etiology*
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / therapy*
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Return to Sport

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Amantadine