Citation

King NS, Coates A. Brain Inj. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2021.1890216

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Mild traumatic brain injury; sport-related concussion; CBT treatment; post-concussion symptoms