title: The difficult concussion patient: what is the best approach to investigation and management of persistent (>10 days) postconcussive symptoms?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Concussion in sport typically recovers clinically within 10 days of injury. In some cases, however, symptoms may be prolonged or complications may develop. The objectives of the current paper are to review the literature regarding the difficult concussion and to provide recommendations for an approach to the investigation and management of patients with persistent symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative review of the literature on concussion in sport was conducted with a focus on prolonged recovery, long-term complications and management including investigation and treatment strategies. MEDLINE and Sports Discus databases were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Persistent symptoms (>10 days) are generally reported in 10-15% of concussions. This figure may be higher in certain sports (eg, ice hockey) and populations (eg, children). In general, symptoms are not specific to concussion and it is important to consider and manage coexistent pathologies. Investigations may include formal neuropsychological testing and conventional neuroimaging to exclude structural pathology. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine clinical use of advanced neuroimaging techniques or genetics markers. Preliminary studies demonstrate the potential benefit of subsymptom threshold activity as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Limited research is available on pharmacological interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cases of concussion in sport where clinical recovery falls outside the expected window (ie, 10 days) should be managed in a multidisciplinary manner by healthcare providers with experience in sports-related concussion. Important components of management, after the initial period of physical and cognitive rest, include associated therapies such as cognitive, vestibular, physical and psychological therapy, assessment for other causes of prolonged symptoms and consideration of a graded exercise programme at a level that does not exacerbate symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia. makdissi@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Makdissi
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Cantu
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCrory
authors.forename: Willem H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Meeuwisse
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005080:Exercise Test; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents