[The nature, diagnosis and treatment of post-concussion syndrome].

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between brief loss of consciousness, subsequent cognitive and emotional complaints, and impact on daily functioning continues to be hotly debated.

DEVELOPMENT: In this paper the strong variability about prevalence of the postconcussional syndrome found in several studies is outstanding and the main issues of this disagreement are suggested. Recent neuroimaging techniques are discussed and some neuropsychological measures are suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

Currents models (organic/psychogenic) of postconcussional symptoms are reviewed, and a multifactorial model which integrates biological factors with the relevance of neuropsychological deficits--attention, memory, speed of information processing--and coping process is proposed. Finally, according with this model, we conclude with some suggestions to improve neuropsychological intervention and medical treatment of these patients.