Abstract
The best and most supported treatment for concussions is relative physical and cognitive rest, although complete rest likely is not beneficial beyond a 24–48-hour window. One of the most important things a clinician can do is to reassure the patient and family and to educate them on activities that are appropriate depending on their symptom severity. Every concussion is unique, and therapies need to be individualized to the patients’ needs. There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of concussions, but medications such as amantadine or methylphenidate have been used in attempts to manage cognitive symptoms, although evidence for these medications is weak and therefore should be used with caution. Along with prescription medications, there are also no supplements that have good evidence in the benefit of concussion treatment. Physical therapy and vestibular rehab have moderate evidence in helping with recovery depending on the symptoms the patient is experiencing. NSAIDs and acetaminophen have shown benefit in the short term, but most research has shown contradictory evidence in regard to medication intervention and improvement in recovery and overall symptom scores.
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Roth, M., Nowakowski, D. (2020). Concussion Treatment. In: Patel, D. (eds) Concussion Management for Primary Care . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39582-7_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39582-7_9
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