Treating prolonged symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury: Neuropharmacology

The clinical presentation of concussion can vary widely as patients experience any number of symptoms including headache, dizziness, cognitive symptoms of difficulty with concentration and memory, sleep dysregulation, and mood disturbances. The variability in clinical presentation underscores the importance of thorough history-taking to clearly understand the clinical picture and to allow individualization of the treatment plan. Most postconcussive symptoms are transient in nature and respond to conservative measures, including education of the patient and their caregivers. For those individuals whose symptoms persist or significantly impair quality of life, pharmacologic intervention may be warranted. Though few studies have investigated the use of pharmacology for treatment of postconcussion syndrome specifically, targeted treatment of medications known to improve selected symptoms can be considered.