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Concussion and mild head injury

¹ Cas Van Der Veer Chair in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, Neurology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
² Post Doctoral Fellow, Van Der Veer Institute for Parkinson’s and Brain Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
³ Consultant Psychiatrist, Van Der Veer Institute for Parkinson’s and Brain Research, Christchurch, New Zealand, and Concussion Clinic, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr T Anderson, Van Der Veer Institute for Parkinson’s and Brain Research, 16 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, New Zealand;
tim.anderson@chmeds.ac.nz

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

A concussion is a physical injury to the head resulting in altered mental function, with expectation of recovery within 2–3 weeks. In a significant minority of cases the symptoms persist longer, thereby comprising a symptom complex commonly referred to as the "post concussion syndrome", that is, one or more somatic (for example, headaches, dizziness), cognitive (for example, poor concentration, memory), or behavioural/affective (for example, irritability, mood swings) symptoms. Unfortunately, the referral of a patient with the possibility of post concussion syndrome to a busy neurology outpatient clinic can precipitate an inward sigh of reluctant resignation in even the most diligent neurologist or neurosurgeon. We know we are in for a potentially lengthy consultation—long on symptoms and short on signs. Moreover, the process can be convoluted and meandering, as unrewarding for the patient as it is unsatisfying for the clinician.

It is important to acknowledge at the outset that there is . . . [Full text of this article]