• Helen Brunger, Jane Ogden, Kit Malia, Clare Eldred, Ronel Terblanche, and Alan Mistlin.
• Department of Psychology, University of Surrey , Guildford , UK and.
• Brain Inj. 2014 Jan 1; 28 (1): 71-80.

ObjectiveBest practice guidelines outline ways in which mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) should be managed. In line with the existing evidence base, DMRC Headley Court established a treatment programme for UK servicemen and women with mTBI. This study explored the experiences of a sample of UK military personnel living with PPCS, who also received psycho-educational intervention (Phase 2) at this unit.SettingDMRC Headley Court, Southeast England.ParticipantsSixteen service personnel who had completed the intervention within 24 months prior to interview.DesignSemi-structured qualitative interview study, with purposive sampling and thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants described their mTBI in terms of: (1) onset; (2) subsequent symptom experience; (3) recovery; and (4) acceptance. All participants reported a significant degree of confusion and chaos in the aftermath of their traumatic event. These themes highlighted how, following enrolment onto the Phase 2 intervention at DMRC Headley Court, participants reported being (largely) able to manage PPCS. Further, many reported acceptance of their condition and described how they had managed to re-establish a sense of order.ConclusionsFollowing a flexible and tailored intervention for PPCS, patients report feeling empowered and describe having a renewed sense of stability.

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