The University of Kansas Health System Outpatient Clinical Concussion Comprehensive Protocol: An Interdisciplinary...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Post-concussion syndrome presents complex challenges in outpatient rehabilitation.
• A standardized, evidence-based clinical protocol is needed for consistent concussion care.
• Existing resources for outpatient concussion evaluation and treatment are often fragmented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and share a comprehensive clinical recommendation protocol for the initial evaluation and treatment of concussed patients.
• To provide a foundational framework for outpatient physical therapy management of post-concussion symptoms.
• To disseminate evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies to other therapy teams.

Main Methods:

• Development of an internal physical therapy clinical recommendation protocol by a multidisciplinary concussion team.
• Emphasis on evidence-based research in key areas: oculomotor, cervical, vestibular, post-concussion migraine, mood disorders, exertion, and cognitive-communicative dysfunction.
• Inclusion of objective measurement tools for patient assessment.

Main Results:

• A practical and efficient evaluation tool has been developed, condensing evidence-based research for bedside use.
• The protocol guides patient care from initial evaluation through discharge for patients aged 10 and older.
• The protocol addresses a wide range of post-concussion symptoms, including physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects.

Conclusions:

• The developed clinical recommendation protocols standardize concussion assessment and treatment.
• The protocols serve as a clinical outline for clinicians specializing in concussion rehabilitation.
• Sharing these objective measurement tools and procedures promotes a consistent, team-based approach to concussion care.