Updated clinical practice guidelines for concussion/mild traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marshall, Shawn; Bayley, Mark; McCullagh, Scott; Velikonja, Diana; Berrigan, Lindsay; Ouchterlony, Donna; Weegar, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 29:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 688
• Page End: 700
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2015.1004755
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To introduce a set of revised guidelines for the management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and persistent symptoms following concussive injuries.</p> <p> <italic>Quality of evidence</italic>: The Guidelines for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Symptoms were made available in March 2011 based on literature and information up to 2008. A search for new clinical practice guidelines addressing mTBI and a systematic review of the literature evaluating treatment of persistent symptoms was conducted. Healthcare professionals representing a range of disciplines from Canada and abroad attended a consensus conference to revise the original guidelines in light of new evidence.</p> <p> <italic>Main message</italic>: A modified Delphi process was used to create 96 recommendations addressing the diagnosis and management of mTBI and persistent symptoms, including post-traumatic headache, sleep disturbances, mental health disorders, cognitive difficulties, vestibular and vision dysfunction, fatigue and return to activity/work/school. Numerous resources, tools and treatment algorithms were also included to aid implementation of the recommendations.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: The revised clinical practice guideline reflects the most current evidence and is recommended for use by clinicians who provide care to people who experience PPCS following mTBI.</p> </abstract>