Author

Alyssa Theede

Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Mohamed Elhamadany

Keywords

Concussion, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, emphasized exertional rehabilitation, manual therapy manipulations.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a violent bump, blow or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move or slide rapidly back and forth forcefully against the inner walls of the skull. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention for post-concussion syndrome and cervical spine hypomobility and pain, and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.

Case Description. The patient was an 18-year-old male collegiate football athlete who acquired post-concussion syndrome, and cervical hypomobility and pain physical therapy treatment in an outpatient clinic for a total of six visits. The patient had a past medical history of multiple concussions in high school.

Intervention. The therapy provided emphasized exertional rehabilitation for concussion, along with manual therapy manipulations to the cervical spine for hypomobility and pain. These interventions were used to increase functional ability and return to his prior level of function of football and academics.

Outcomes. Over the course of treatment, the patient was able to decrease his post-concussion and neck symptoms, return to full contact football, and was able to concentrate when completing his academics.

Discussion. The patient responded well to the treatment, and all of his short term and long-term goals were met. However, more research must be done to determine the best combination of interventions to effectively rehabilitate a patient with post-concussion symptoms and cervical hypomobility and pain.

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