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Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model in Concussion Treatment: Post-Traumatic Headache and beyond

  • Concussion and Head Injury (T Seifert, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To discuss recent literature concerning the application of the biopsychosocial model in the management of concussion and post-concussion headache.

Recent Findings

Current research suggests that the biopsychosocial model is applicable to the concussion management process, particularly management of post-concussion headache. Such application is best illustrated by current active treatment strategies such as exercise, multifaceted rehabilitation, and psychosocial interventions targeting improved patient outcomes.

Summary

Overall, the biopsychosocial model has significant applications to the management of concussion, particularly post-concussion headache. Presentation and recovery following concussion and post-traumatic headache is multifaceted and includes the continuum of biological, psychological, and social considerations. In order to fully understand the widespread clinical utility and application of such models, there is a continued need for researcher, practitioner, and patient integration and collaboration to determine the most effective assessment and treatment strategies.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Johna K. Register-Mihalik, J. D. DeFreese, Christine E. Callahan & Kevin Carneiro

  2. Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Johna K. Register-Mihalik

  3. Curriculum in Human Movement Science, Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Johna K. Register-Mihalik, J. D. DeFreese & Christine E. Callahan

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Kevin Carneiro

  5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Kevin Carneiro

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  1. Johna K. Register-Mihalik
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  2. J. D. DeFreese
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  3. Christine E. Callahan
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  4. Kevin Carneiro
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Correspondence to Johna K. Register-Mihalik.

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Conflict of Interest

J.D. DeFreese, Christina Callahan, and Kevin Carneiro declare no conflict of interest.

Johna Register-Mihalik reports grants from National Football League, National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, NCAA-DOD Mind Matters Research Challenge Award, Centers for Disease Controls/NCIPC, NATA Foundation, other from USA Football, outside the submitted work.

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Register-Mihalik, J.K., DeFreese, J.D., Callahan, C.E. et al. Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Model in Concussion Treatment: Post-Traumatic Headache and beyond. Curr Pain Headache Rep 24, 44 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00870-y

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