Neuropsychological and psychological rehabilitation interventions in refractory sport-related post-concussive syndrome

Abstract

Background: The neuropsychological, physical, vestibular and oculomotor sequelae of sports-related concussion are extremely well documented. However, there is a paucity of interventions for these symptoms in refractory sports-related concussions.

Aim: The intent of this article is to review the known and emerging neuropsychological and psychological rehabilitation interventions for reducing morbidity in refractory sports-related concussions (SRCs).

Methods: The authors openly acknowledge the limited amount of empirical data available for review, as did the Zurich consensus papers, but posit a mindful and ethical approach towards rehabilitation interventions in the absence of evidence-based guidelines. Further, rehabilitation interventions proven useful with similar injuries or illnesses, particularly non-sports-related mild TBI, will be reviewed for applicability. Such interventions include Cognitive-Behavioural psychotherapy, biofeedback, cranial electrical stimulation, neurofeedback and cognitive rehabilitation.

Results and conclusions: Modified approaches for rehabilitation with young children within family and school systems are provided. Recommendations for further research are offered.

• Biofeedback
• biopsychosocial
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• mild traumatic brain injury
• neurofeedback
• sport concussion

Acknowledgements

We wish to sincerely thank Ms. Lauren Conder for her diligent research assistance through The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.