Overview
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of a Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) examination in identifying participants diagnosed with concussion who display a directional preference compared to who don't display a directional preference.
Description
Directional preference describes the clinical phenomenon where a specific direction of repeated movement and / or sustained position results in a clinically relevant improvement in symptoms. This improvement is usually accompanied by an improvement in function or mechanics or both. Its presence and relevance is determined over 2-3 visits. This study aims to identify the proportion of participants with concussion who present with a directional preference during the course of physical therapy. A secondary aim of this study is to investigate whether directional preference is associated with the eventual patient related outcomes following care.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age = 13 - 65
- Complaints of neck pain, headache, or dizziness associated with a diagnosis of concussion or mild TBI
- Ability to read/write English
- Referral from physician
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age less than 13 or greater than 65
- Cause of symptoms is result of a work-related accident or motor vehicle accident
- Receiving concurrent treatment from a chiropractor or massage therapist
- Glasgow Coma Scale less than 12
- Lesion on head CT/MRI
- Focal neurological deficits associated with serious spinal pathology (fracture, infection, tumor, vertebrobasilar insufficiency)
- Inability to or unwilling to exercise as part of usual PT care
- Unable to read/write English
- History of osteopenia/osteoporosis or cancer