The Role of Occupational Therapy in Concussion Rehabilitation and Symptom Management

Authors: Lew SV* and Waskiewicz M

DOI: 10.23880/aphot-16000167

Volume 3, Issue 3

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increased focus in both the media and healthcare environment in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of concussion and post-concussive syndrome. This increase in clinical concussion identification provides an opportunity for the profession of occupational therapy to promote itself as a viable option for individuals who may be experiencing difficulty in everyday occupations secondary to a concussion. Neurological dysfunction resulting from concussions, although often undetectable in conventional neuroimaging, can have considerable impact on an individual’s overall participation in everyday life activities. This article outlines common categories of client factors and performance skill deficits and their impact on occupational performance seen in the post-concussion population. In addition, it proposes the potential roles of occupational therapy practitioners in the assessment and development of treatment interventions for this unique population, while highlighting the need for more occupational therapy treatment efficacy research studies addressing this population.

Keywords: Occupational Therapy; Physical Signs; Syndromes; Quality of Life

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