Download PDF
Semin Neurol 2022; 42(02): 168-181
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742143
Review Article

Neuropsychiatric Treatment for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Nonpharmacological Approaches

Authors

  • Adriano Mollica 

    1   Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Ayan Dey

    1   Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Molly Cairncross

    3   Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    4   Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  • Noah Silverberg

    3   Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    4   Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  • Matthew J. Burke

    1   Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    5   Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

Funding Investigators were supported by funding from the Liu Fu Yu Charity Foundation (M.J.B.).
Further Information
  Permissions and Reprints
Preview

Abstract

Postconcussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion are common, disabling, and challenging to manage. Patients can experience a range of symptoms (e.g., mood disturbance, headaches, insomnia, vestibular symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction), and neuropsychiatric management relies heavily on nonpharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches. This article presents an overview of current nonpharmacological strategies for postconcussive symptoms including psychoeducation; psychotherapy; vestibular, visual, and physical therapies; cognitive rehabilitation; as well as more novel approaches, such as neuromodulation. Ultimately, treatment and management of mTBI should begin early with appropriate psychoeducation/counseling, and be tailored based on core symptoms and individual goals.

Keywords

concussion - mild traumatic brain injury - neuropsychiatry - nonpharmacological treatment

Authors' Contributions

Concept and design: M.J.B., A.M. Drafting of the manuscript: A.M., A.D., M.C., N.S., M.J.B. Critical revision of the manuscript: A.M., A.D., M.C., N.S., M.J.B.




Publication History

Article published online:
03 February 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA