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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
The role of the cervical spine in post-concussion syndrome
Cameron M Marshall1, Howard Vernon, John J Leddy
1a 1 Department of Graduate Studies, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College , 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, 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.
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