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Mild traumatic brain injury and Postconcussion Syndrome: a neuropsychological perspective
  1. W Huw Williams1,
  2. Seb Potter2,
  3. Helen Ryland1
  1. 1School of Psychology, Washington Singer Laboratories, Exeter University, Exeter, UK
  2. 2Lishman Brain Injury Unit, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Professor W Huw Williams, School of Psychology, Washington Singer Laboratories, Exeter University, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK; w.h.williams{at}exeter.ac.uk

Abstract

Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury typically resolve within days or weeks. However, a significant group of patients may report symptoms of Post-concussional Syndrome (PCS) weeks, months and years postinjury. This review presents an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment options for PCS. The authors review the evidence for factors that may predict such symptoms. At early phases, there are associations between neurological signs and symptoms, neurocognitive functions and self reports. Over time, such associations become less coherent, and psychological issues become particularly relevant. An accurate understanding of neurological and psychosocial factors at play in PCS is crucial for appropriate management of symptoms at various points postinjury.

  • Mild traumatic brain injury
  • concussion
  • neuropsychology
  • neuro-psychiatry
  • cognitive neuropsychology
  • head injury
  • psychiatry

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Footnotes

  • Funding WHW Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Grant Res-062-23-0135 HJR; CASE-ESRC studentship with British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

  • Competing interests None.

  • Provenance and peer review Commissioned; externally peer reviewed.