Postconcussion Syndrome / Disorder or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: diagnostic issues and treatment

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury at the milder end of the spectrum is far more common than the moderate-severe spectrum. Mild traumatic injury (mTBI) accounts for approximately 80% of traumatic brain injuries [1]. Traumatic brain injuries at the milder end of the spectrum which lead to persisting difficulties have been referred to as postconcussion syndrome / postconcussion disorder [2,3]. Individuals with persistent difficulties following a traumatic brain injury at the milder end of the spectrum may be assessed and treated by Neurology, Neuropsychology, and Neuropsychiatry. There has been ongoing research looking at outcomes following traumatic brain injury at the milder end of the spectrum, the validity of postconcussion syndrome/disorder, and treatment of symptoms following milder traumatic brain injuries. This paper will review some of the research in these important areas within neurorehabilitation.