An Overview of the Management of Concussion

Each year, 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is twice as likely in men compared with women. TBI is an injury to the head that results in a disruption of normal functioning of the brain. The terms concussion, the most common form of TBI, and mild TBI are often used interchangeably. A concussion results most often from a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to collide with the skull. The signs and symptoms of a concussion may be physical, cognitive, emotional, or relating to sleep. Both pharmacologic approaches (medication management for cognitive, emotional, and neurologic symptoms) and nonpharmacologic approaches (cognitive and physical rest) are essential for treatment.