Citation

Lundblad M. Int. J. Sports Phys. Ther. 2019; 14(5): 835-844.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Sports Physical Therapy Section, American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

31598420

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals can experience headaches, dizziness, cervical dysfunction, balance disturbances, fatigue, and oculomotor impairments following a concussion. Patients with sports-related concussions are not a homogenous group but rather heterogenous groups with mixed clinical findings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical commentary is to propose a classification system developed specifically for the physical therapy management of sports-related concussions. DESCRIPTION: The concept of "symptom instability" was introduced to assist with classifying patients. The time period post-concussion, symptom instability, and the ability to identify symptom triggers were used as defining criteria. The end result was a classification system with five clinical subgroups. RELATIONSHIP TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The classification system assists in forming homogeneous groups. The grouping of patients into these subgroups can allow for improved efficiency of organizing treatment plans. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

© 2019 by the Sports Physical Therapy Section.

Language: en

Keywords

Classification; Physical Therapy ; sports-related concussion