Management Strategies for Post-Concussion Syndrome After Mild Head Injury: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of management strategies for post-concussion syndrome (PCS) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).MethodsA systematic literature search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Citation tracking of potentially to-be-reviewed articles was also performed. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were subjected to evidence-based review. Only randomized controlled trials related to PCS as a result of mTBI published between 1998 and 2008 were finally selected.ResultsA total of 301 studies related to the treatment of mTBI were found from the three databases. Together with citation tracking and electronic database searching, only three studies met the inclusion criteria for review. The most often used management strategies for PCS were education, provision of coping techniques, and support and reassurance.ConclusionThere are few randomized controlled studies evaluating interventions for PCS after mTBI. More evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of the suggested treatments in assisting individuals to manage their PCS after mTBI.