ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the debated definition and epidemiology, proposed pathophysiological mechanism, specific factors that increase athlete's risk of developing postconcussion syndrome (PCS), and also the clinical management of common postconcussive symptoms that are persistent in PCS. In general terms, PCS is a prolonged recovery from concussion characterized by persistence in clinical symptomatology. Postconcussive symptoms are the many single, subjective clinical signs occurring after concussion, while a syndrome is a specific group of symptoms commanding a diagnostic entity. The chapter discusses modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors of PCS including demographics, injury characteristics, post-injury factors, and premorbid medical conditions that have been shown to have association with development of PCS. Numerous retrospective and prospective clinical studies have evaluated athletes following concussive injury to determine which factors would most likely result in a prolonged recovery and diagnosis of PCS. The various demographic features that have been found to contribute to development of PCS are age, gender, previous concussion history, and family history.
