Atypical Concussion Presentations & Treatment Recommendations: Functional Neurological and Somatic Disorders

This lecture provides an in-depth overview of atypical presentations following concussion, with a specific focus on somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and functional neurological symptom disorder (FND), and their role in prolonged recovery. The presentation emphasizes the importance of psychological and behavioral factors—such as fear avoidance, symptom catastrophizing, and illness perception—in driving ongoing symptoms and disability. Through clinical examples and research findings, it highlights how SSD and FND can mimic or amplify post-concussion symptoms, outlines key assessment strategies to differentiate these conditions, and presents evidence-informed, multidisciplinary treatment approaches to improve outcomes and reduce chronic impairment. shed understanding of the brain’s functions, how cognitive-communication impacts driving, and the benefits of a team-based approach to rehabilitation.