Mixed messages from the ‘mild traumatic brain injury’ and ‘sport-related concussion’ literatures: clinical implications

Journal article

Objectives: The Sport-related Concussion (SRC) literature has three areas of emphasis which in some circumstances can be detrimental to the recovery of a patient after a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). These include the role of organic factors in post-concussion symptoms, the need to be asymptomatic to return to play and the later-life complications of sustaining multiple MTBIs. These contrast with quite different emphases in the broader MTBI literature and can cause significant anxiety for some patients with prolonged post-concussion symptoms (PCS).

Methods: This paper presents for the first time a case where such factors operated.

Results: Five sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to address these elements resulted in the complete amelioration of persisting PCS.

Conclusions: Anxiety due to maladaptive cognitions influenced by the ‘mixed messages' from the SRC literature can exacerbate or solely maintain persisting PCS but may be successfully addressed with CBT.

Authors: King, NS; Coates, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Journal: Brain Injury
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 501-503
• Publication date: 2021-02-26
• Acceptance date: 2021-02-10
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1890216
• EISSN: 1362-301X
• ISSN: 0269-9052
• Pmid: 33635725
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR; sport-related concussion; CBT treatment; mild traumatic brain injury; post-concussion symptoms