ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the phenomenon of Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome (PPCS). There will be discussion about the importance of understanding a patient's psychological condition as well as the nature of his/her cognitive complaints. The chapter discusses the role of symptom distortion. The possibility that PPCS actually represents subtle brain damage has been explored in a number of studies. Some researchers, have maintained that persisting complaints actually reflect structural changes in the central nervous system. In fact, emotional conditions can produce precisely the same symptoms as are contained in PPCS. In addition to obvious mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety, personality factors play an important role in PPCS symptom report. When the extensive research on PPCS is considered, the most reasonable formulation is that it is mistaken to accept PPCS complaints as being directly linked to the physiological effects of a concussion.
