The role of the physiotherapist in concussion.

Journal: The South African journal of physiotherapy

Volume: 80

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  South African Society of Physiotherapy, Johannesburg, South Africa. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

Abstract summary 

In the last decade, concussion research has exploded in multiple fields of scientific research. This has helped to clarify what causes, influences, and perpetuates human concussion, and displays the integral role physiotherapists play in concussion management. In this article we discuss the latest research relevant to the key role of physiotherapy in concussion management. A narrative review of the literature on concussion was conducted. The current review analyses how concussion has influenced physiotherapy in several categories: assessment, treatment, management, research rigour and building the profile of the profession. Scientific concussion research has largely converged in support of the role of physiotherapists utilising specific components including: (1) autonomic, (2) cervicogenic, (3) vestibulo-ocular and (4) psychological approaches to management. Latest research supports the critical role of physiotherapy in concussion care in the assessment, management, and prevention of concussion with scope for further interdisciplinary collaborations.Concussion is complex. A basic mental health, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) and four key components relating to concussion management (autonomic, cervicogenic, vestibular oculomotor, and psychological approaches to management) should be included in the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. This will aid clinical physiotherapists to support their patients. A call to advance more intradisciplinary physiotherapy teamwork should be encouraged as valuable knowledge sharing is potentially lost within the framework of 'specialisation'. If needed, the skills of a greater interdisciplinary team are imperative to facilitate patient management and recovery from this multi-faceted injury.

Authors & Co-authors:  Robertson Megyn K MK McLoughlin James J

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Adeboye, K.A., Emerton, D.G. & Hughes, T., 2000, ‘Cervical sympathetic chain dysfunction after whiplash injury’. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 93(7), 378–379. 10.1177/014107680009300713
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 2013
SSN : 2410-8219
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
autonomic;cervicogenic;concussion;intradisciplinary;mental health;oculomotor;physiotherapy;vestibular
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
South Africa