title: From the field of play to the field of combat:  a review of the pharmacological management of concussion.
abstract: Traditionally, the medical management of concussion has involved close observation and physical and cognitive rest. Most postconcussive symptoms resolve spontaneously and require only conservative treatment. However, some patients have prolonged recoveries and may benefit from treatment with medications. Some naturally occurring compounds demonstrate multimechanistic neuroprotective properties and may be potential treatment considerations. For the most part, however, current treatments are symptom based for those with persistent postconcussive symptoms. The evidence supporting the various pharmacologic treatments in concussion is equivocal. The choice of which medication to use for a patient depends on the symptom characteristics, and each decision should be made on an individual-case basis. There is a need for well-designed trials investigating the efficacy of various medical therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. anthony_petraglia@urmc.rochester.edu
authors.forename: Anthony L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Petraglia
authors.forename: Joseph C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Maroon
authors.forename: Julian E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bailes
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014857:Warfare
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents