Treatment in Postconcussional Syndrome

• Main Authors: Necla Keskin, Lut Tamam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar 2013-03-01
• Series: Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar
• Subjects: Postconcussional syndrome; treatment
• Online Access: http://www.cappsy.org/archives/vol5/no1/cap_05_07.pdf

Postconcussional syndrome is characterized by somatic, cognitive and psychiatric (emotional, behavioral) symptoms that occur after mild traumatic brain injury. These symptoms usually recover fully within 3-6 months almost in 90% of patients. Persistent post-concussion symptoms could occur in 10% of patients. Diagnosis is based on the subjective complaints and the treatment of the syndrome is mainly of palliative nature. The patient should be educated about the nature and outcome of the syndrome and reassured that almost all symptoms recover fully within 3-6 months. Multifaceted rehabilitation programs and cognitive behavioral therapy could be beneficial. Pharmacotherapy and somatic therapy are other options for persistent symptoms.