Moving concussion care to the next level: The emergence and role of concussion clinics in the UK

Prog Brain Res. 2017:234:205-220. doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.06.014. Epub 2017 Aug 18.

Abstract

Concussion is a worldwide issue in sports medicine at present, and in recent years has evolved into a major consideration for sports in the United Kingdom (UK). Governing bodies, sports clinicians, and indeed athletes themselves are dealing with the implications that this injury brings. In parallel with this, innovative means of managing this condition are emerging. The creation of specialized concussion clinics (which mirror those present in the United States and Canada) is one means of enhancing concussion care in the UK. In this chapter, the emergence of concussion clinics in the UK will be discussed. The specific roles of the multidisciplinary teams working in these clinics will be outlined (including the disciplines of sports medicine, radiology, neurology, physiotherapy, and psychology/psychiatry), and the approaches used in the management of concussion in this setting will be explored. Future recommendations for the growth and development of clinic-based concussion care in the UK will also be discussed.

Keywords: Concussion; Mild traumatic brain injury; Neurology; Public health; Sports medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / complications
  • Brain Concussion / etiology
  • Brain Concussion / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neurology* / methods
  • Neurology* / standards
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Public Health*
  • Sports Medicine* / methods
  • Sports Medicine* / standards
  • United Kingdom