Concussion Treatment: Medical Management and Cognitive Profiles

Presented by Anne Mucha and Susan Whitney

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Video Runtime: 82 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 30 Minutes

Knowledge of medical and alternative interventions can enhance outcomes of individuals following concussion. Learners will be exposed to the latest evidence related to medications and alternative treatments that have been suggested for concussion treatment. In addition, specific examples of how physical and occupational therapists can approach their role in concussion management are detailed. Finally, learners will be introduced to management of cognitive profiles after concussion with a case discussion that illustrates decision-making. The applicable audience includes physical and occupational therapists in any setting who treat persons with concussion/mild traumatic brain injury.

Meet your instructors

Anne Mucha

Anne Mucha is the coordinator of vestibular rehabilitation for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Centers for Rehab Services. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy with advanced certification in vestibular rehabilitation. With more than 20…

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Susan Whitney

Susan L. Whitney received her PhD in motor development/motor learning from the University of Pittsburgh, her professional physical therapy education from Temple University in Philadelphia, and her DPT from MGH Institute of Health Professions. Currently, she is a professor in physical therapy in the School of Health and…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Medical Management of Concussion

Medical management of headache, sleep, and mood are discussed. In addition, strategies to identify health providers who can prescribe medications are provided. Working in consort with team members that can prescribe medications can enhance therapy outcomes in persons with persisting symptoms.

2. Physical and Occupational Therapy and Management Using a Clinical Profile Approach

This chapter provides insights into how physical and occupational therapists manage persons post concussion utilizing a clinical profile approach. Clinical profiles are described with the goal of helping clinicians identify what the person's functional deficits are and then aligning care based on the identified areas of concern. Emphasis is on identification of clinical profiles and the determination of which health providers should be members of the team.

3. Alternative Therapies for Concussion

Families and patients frequently ask about alternative treatments or over-the-counter drugs that they have heard may have a positive impact on their outcomes. There are many alternative treatments that patients will ask you about in your practice. This chapter attempts to provide evidence related to many of the questions that we frequently get from patients and their families regarding alternative treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen, magnesium, sea bands, peppermint, ginkgo, and other over-the-counter remedies. Data is provided if there is any evidence of treatment efficacy in persons post concussion.

4. Management Cognitive Profiles

This chapter introduces a patient case to illustrate clinical decision-making in a person who fits the cognitive concussion profile. The concept of early cognitive rest is questioned, with data provided for why treatment can begin even when the patient has symptoms. Various clinical outcome tools that were utilized to guide treatment decisions, plus the considered use of medications, is discussed in this complex case.

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