Concussion: A Clinical Profile Approach to Assessment and Treatment

by Anthony P. Kontos, Michael W. Collins

Overview

Medical consensus once held that all concussions were the same, and treatment for all concussion patients therefore followed the same standard approach. In this volume, Anthony Kontos and Michael Collins debunk the one‑size‑fits‑all approach, arguing instead that individuals who experience concussion respond best to targeted interventions based on their specific clinical profile of symptoms and impairment. In fact, the most commonly prescribed management strategy—rest—can actually prolong recovery time for some individuals.
 
The authors present a comprehensive, team‑based model for assessment and treatment of concussion. Assessment should involve an interdisciplinary lineup that evaluates the patient across multiple domains, including vestibular and oculomotor function, cognitive fatigue, post‑traumatic migraine, and anxiety/mood. Based on the individual’s clinical profile, treatment should actively target the affected domains. The book combines empirical evidence with case examples, with special attention to at‑risk populations such as athletes, military, and youth.

This resource is essential reading for those who assess, treat, or research concussion, including professionals and students in clinical-counseling psychology, neuropsychology, neurology, neurosurgery, optometry, pediatrics, physical therapy, primary care, sports medicine, and athletic training.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433828232
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	03/27/2018
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anthony P. Kontos, PhD, is the research director for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program, where he also directs the Concussion Research Laboratory. He is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopeadic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his doctoral degree in kinesiology/sport psychology from Michigan State University, where he also received master's degrees in counseling psychology and exercise science and completed an internship in counseling psychology. He completed his bachelor of arts degree in psychology at Adrian College, where he was a 4-year starter on the men's soccer team. His research focuses on neurocognitive, neuromotor, and psychological effects of concussion in sport, pediatric, and military populations. He has more than 180 professional publications and 270 professional presentations, and he has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Football League/General Electric Head Health Challenge, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Dr. Kontos served as chair of the Sub-acute Subgroup on the NIH Sports Concussion Common Data Elements working group, attended the 2014 White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit, and codirected the 2015 Targeted Evaluation and Active Management Approach to Treating Concussion meeting in Pittsburgh. He is also past president of APA Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology).

Michael (Micky) W. Collins, PhD, is executive and clinical director for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He directs six clinical sites with more than 18,000 patient visits annually for concussion and related issues. A graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology in 1991, Dr. Collins earned a master's degree in psychology in 1995 and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 1998 at Michigan State University. He has specialized in concussion research for the past 17 years; he has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 350 presentations at national and international meetings. He has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, National Football League/General Electric, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Dr. Collins has been the recipient of several honors, including the Innovations in Treatment Award from the North American Brain Injury Society, the 2010 National Council on Brain Injury annual award for outstanding research and advocacy, and the 2007 Annual Butters Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He attended the 2014 White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit and chaired the 2015 Targeted Evaluation and Active Management Approach to Treating Concussion meeting in Pittsburgh. An athlete himself, Dr. Collins played in the 1989 National Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball College World Series.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1. Overview of the Model
Chapter 2. Concussion 101
Chapter 3. Psychological Issues Associated With Concussion
Chapter 4. Comprehensive Assessment of Concussion
Chapter 5. Targeted Treatment Strategies for Concussion
Chapter 6. Case Studies
Chapter 7. At-Risk Populations
Chapter 8. Concussion Moving Forward: What’s Next?
References
Index
About the Authors
 

What People are Saying About This

David Ross

Diligently following Dr. Collins's program after sustaining multiple concussions enabled me to continue with my career and ultimately be part of two World Series Championship teams. His keen knowledge of an athlete's mind-set, coupled with his expertise in the area of concussions, gave me the confidence to believe that he could help with my recovery.

Michael L. Sachs

Using an evidence-based approach to reviewing concussion assessment and treatment, including excellent background information and informative case studies, Kontos and Collins provide superb recommendations for physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and others involved in this challenging and vital area.

James "Jay" Clugston

Drawing from their extensive careers in concussion care and research, Kontos and Collins provide the first comprehensive book to outline specific clinical profiles of concussion. The clinical profile concept will improve assessment, guide treatment, and shape future research.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

There's no one I trust more with the diagnosis and treatment of concussions than Drs. Kontos and Collins. The insight and critical advice in this book is necessary for any athlete, parent, or health care provider dealing with this underestimated and often misunderstood head injury.

Tamara McLeod

This book includes a mix of research evidence and clinical expertise to provide treatment recommendations for all members of a multidisciplinary concussion management team.

Editorial Reviews

Drawing from their extensive careers in concussion care and research, Kontos and Collins provide the first comprehensive book to outline specific clinical profiles of concussion. The clinical profile concept will improve assessment, guide treatment, and shape future research.

James "Jay" Clugston

Diligently following Dr. Collins's program after sustaining multiple concussions enabled me to continue with my career and ultimately be part of two World Series Championship teams. His keen knowledge of an athlete's mind-set, coupled with his expertise in the area of concussions, gave me the confidence to believe that he could help with my recovery.

David Ross

This book includes a mix of research evidence and clinical expertise to provide treatment recommendations for all members of a multidisciplinary concussion management team.

Tamara McLeod

Using an evidence-based approach to reviewing concussion assessment and treatment, including excellent background information and informative case studies, Kontos and Collins provide superb recommendations for physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and others involved in this challenging and vital area.

Michael L. Sachs

There's no one I trust more with the diagnosis and treatment of concussions than Drs. Kontos and Collins. The insight and critical advice in this book is necessary for any athlete, parent, or health care provider dealing with this underestimated and often misunderstood head injury.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.