Concussion
In this book, Anthony P. Kontos and Michael W. Collins present a comprehensive, team-based model for assessment and treatment of concussion.
They argue that, contrary to popular belief, a one-size-fits-all approach to concussion treatment does not work, since individuals respond best to targeted interventions based on their specific clinical profile of symptoms and impairment. Moreover, the most commonly prescribed management strategy — rest — can actually prolong recovery for some individuals.
This is an essential resource for those who assess or treat concussion.
Introduction
- Overview of the Model
- Concussion 101
- Psychological Issues Associated With Concussion
- Comprehensive Assessment of Concussion
- Targeted Treatment Strategies for Concussion
- Case Studies
- At-Risk Populations
- Concussion Moving Forward: What's Next?
References
Index
About the Authors
Anthony P. Kontos, PhD, is the research director for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program, where he also directs the Concussion Research Laboratory. He is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopeadic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.
He received his doctoral degree in kinesiology/sport psychology from Michigan State University, where he also received master's degrees in counseling psychology and exercise science and completed an internship in counseling psychology. He completed his bachelor of arts degree in psychology at Adrian College, where he was a 4-year starter on the men's soccer team.
His research focuses on neurocognitive, neuromotor, and psychological effects of concussion in sport, pediatric, and military populations. He has more than 180 professional publications and 270 professional presentations, and he has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Football League/General Electric Head Health Challenge, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Dr. Kontos served as chair of the Sub-acute Subgroup on the NIH Sports Concussion Common Data Elements working group, attended the 2014 White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit, and codirected the 2015 Targeted Evaluation and Active Management Approach to Treating Concussion meeting in Pittsburgh.
He is also past president of APA Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology).
Michael (Micky) W. Collins, PhD, is executive and clinical director for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He directs six clinical sites with more than 18,000 patient visits annually for concussion and related issues.
A graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology in 1991, Dr. Collins earned a master's degree in psychology in 1995 and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 1998 at Michigan State University.
He has specialized in concussion research for the past 17 years; he has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 350 presentations at national and international meetings.
He has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, National Football League/General Electric, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Dr. Collins has been the recipient of several honors, including the Innovations in Treatment Award from the North American Brain Injury Society, the 2010 National Council on Brain Injury annual award for outstanding research and advocacy, and the 2007 Annual Butters Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology.
He attended the 2014 White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit and chaired the 2015 Targeted Evaluation and Active Management Approach to Treating Concussion meeting in Pittsburgh.
An athlete himself, Dr. Collins played in the 1989 National Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball College World Series.
There's no one I trust more with the diagnosis and treatment of concussions than Drs. Kontos and Collins. The insight and critical advice in this book is necessary for any athlete, parent, or health care provider dealing with this underestimated and often misunderstood head injury.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR team owner and retired NASCAR driver; philanthropist
Diligently following Dr. Collins's program after sustaining multiple concussions enabled me to continue with my career and ultimately be part of two World Series Championship teams. His keen knowledge of an athlete's mind-set, coupled with his expertise in the area of concussions, gave me the confidence to believe that he could help with my recovery.
—David Ross, retired Major League Baseball catcher
Using an evidence-based approach to reviewing concussion assessment and treatment, including excellent background information and informative case studies, Kontos and Collins provide superb recommendations for physicians, psychologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and others involved in this challenging and vital area.
—Michael L. Sachs, PhD, CC-AASP, Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Drawing from their extensive careers in concussion care and research, Kontos and Collins provide the first comprehensive book to outline specific clinical profiles of concussion. The clinical profile concept will improve assessment, guide treatment, and shape future research.
—James "Jay" Clugston, MD, MS, Associate Professor and Team Physician, University of Florida, Gainesville
This book includes a mix of research evidence and clinical expertise to provide treatment recommendations for all members of a multidisciplinary concussion management team.
—Tamara McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, Professor and Director, Athletic Training Programs, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ

