Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Rehabilitation of Post-concussion Symptoms

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Rehabilitation of Post-concussion Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators aim to evaluate effects of an outpatient rehabilitation program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy compared to usual care on function in patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and post-traumatic headache (PTH). This study builds on the investigators' previous observational studies and treatment studies in this patient group.

The study is run in an outpatient setting at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway. All patients are also participants in the observational study: "Minimal and mild head injury: an exercise and outpatient follow-up study at St. Olavs Hospital" (REK number 2018/2159).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having sustained a minimal HI or MTBI
• PCS/ PTH had evolved within 1 week after the head trauma.
• At least one post-concussion symptoms of at least moderate degree, that affects daily life.
• > 6 months post-injury.
• First line treatment has been tried, e.g. psychoeducation, increase of physical activity and pharmacological treatments for headache

Exclusion Criteria:

• More than 5 years since last injury.
• Symptoms are better explained by other conditions.
• Severe communication problems, typically due to poor knowledge of Norwegian.
• Severe psychiatric, neurological, somatic or substance abuse disorders that will make it problematic to function in a group and/or will complicate follow-up and outcome assessment.