title: The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome.
abstract: While much is known regarding the pathophysiology surrounding concussion injuries in the acute phase, there is little evidence to support many of the theorized etiologies to post-concussion syndrome (PCS); the chronic phase of concussion occurring in ∼ 10-15% of concussed patients. This paper reviews the existing literature surrounding the numerous proposed theories of PCS and introduces another potential, and very treatable, cause of this chronic condition; cervical spine dysfunction due to concomitant whiplash-type injury. We also discuss a short case-series of five patients with diagnosed PCS having very favorable outcomes following various treatment and rehabilitative techniques aimed at restoring cervical spine function.
authors.affiliation: a 1 Department of Graduate Studies, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College , 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Cameron M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vernon
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Leddy
authors.forename: Bradley A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Baldwin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D038223:Post-Concussion Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Brain concussion; musculoskeletal manipulations; pathophysiology; post-concussion syndrome; whiplash injuries