|
|||||
|
|
The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome |
|
| Authors: | Cameron M. Marshall Howard Vernon John J. Leddy Bradley A. Baldwin |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Graduate Studies, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canadadr.cmarshall@outlook.com;3. Department of Graduate Studies, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;4. Department of Physiology and Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, University Sports Medicine, 160 Farber Hall – SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA;5. Private Practice – Sports Medicine and Rehab Centres, 199 Mill Street, Angus, Ontario, Canada |
| Abstract: | While much is known regarding the pathophysiology surrounding concussion injuries in the acute phase, there is little evidence to support many of the theorized etiologies to post-concussion syndrome (PCS); the chronic phase of concussion occurring in ～10–15% of concussed patients. This paper reviews the existing literature surrounding the numerous proposed theories of PCS and introduces another potential, and very treatable, cause of this chronic condition; cervical spine dysfunction due to concomitant whiplash-type injury. We also discuss a short case-series of five patients with diagnosed PCS having very favorable outcomes following various treatment and rehabilitative techniques aimed at restoring cervical spine function. |
| Keywords: | Brain concussion post-concussion syndrome whiplash injuries pathophysiology musculoskeletal manipulations |