Faculty Advisor(s)
G. Noel Squires
Document Type
Course Paper
Publication Date
12-4-2015
Rights
© 2015 Cristen Schmidt
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Current literature on Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) rehabilitation is limited. Current literature is focused on individuals experiencing military blast traumatic brain injuries and the management of these injuries. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to describe and implement PT management and outcomes for the young athlete presenting with PCS following a concussion. Case Description: The patient was a 14 year old male who presented to the outpatient clinic with significant impairments secondary to diagnosis of PCS. Impairments that the patient presented with were activity intolerance, increased muscle tone, headaches, and dizziness. The patient underwent manual therapy treatment consisting of soft tissue mobilizations to the cervical musculature and postural corrections, as well as, a vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) habituation program. These interventions were utilized to increase the patient’s tolerance to his surroundings and to return the patient to his prior level of function. Outcomes: The patient was treated for 9 visits over a 5-week period. With manual treatment and VOR habituation exercises, improvements were seen with increased pain-free ranges of cervical motion and improved activity tolerance as demonstrated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (intake: 46, discharge: 4) , the Post-Concussion Syndrome Inventory (intake: 64, discharge: 7), and the Balke treadmill protocol (intake: 110 bpm, discharge: 187 bpm). Discussion: This case report describes the clinical reasoning and clinical usage of the combination of cervical manual therapy and VOR habituation exercises in a patient with PCS. This case report suggests that these interventions may be beneficial to improve activity tolerance and help a patient return to their prior level of function.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Cristen, "Vestibular Rehabilitation And Cervical Postural Re-education In A Young Athlete Who Presented With Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Case Report" (2015). Case Report Papers. 32.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpaper/32
Comments
The case report poster for this paper can be found here:
http://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrposter/61/