Description of an early treatment for long-lasting symptoms after concussion.
What is it about?
Up to 15 % suffer from symptoms for more than 3 months after concussion, and they are at risk of developing chronic illness. Currently, no standardized treatment exists and treatment studies are scarce. We have developed a new, early treatment programme based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and graduaded exercise therapy, and we have tested the overall outcome and patient satisfaction in an uncontrolled pilot study. The article describes the treatment programme and presents results from the pilot study.
Why is it important?
The preliminary results from the pilot study are promising. It shows, that the new treatment programme is feasible, is well received by patients, and that it may prevent development of long-lasting symptoms after concussion. This is important, because concussion is prevalent, and there is an urgent need of developing evidence-based treatment in order to prevent a large number of patients with concussion from developing chronic illness, leading to reduced work ability, education, daily functioning and quality of life.