Danish patients flock to UPMC in Pittsburgh for concussion treatment amidst healthcare system challenges

In the past four months, a concussion clinic in the United States has been overwhelmed with inquiries from Danish patients seeking treatment. These individuals are struggling with severe lingering symptoms and are willing to pay out of pocket and travel across the Atlantic for relief. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has treated 52 Danish patients so far in 2024, a stark contrast to the single patient they treated in 2023.

Dr. Michael Collins, the chief physician at the UPMC concussion clinic, noted they received hundreds of inquiries shortly after a podcast series titled “Faldet” aired in Denmark, chronicling journalist Mads Ellesøe’s personal experience with post-concussion syndrome. After two years of insufficient recovery in Denmark, Ellesøe found significant improvement following treatment in Pittsburgh.

Collins emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans, as each concussion can present differently. Patients undergo a thorough evaluation by a team of specialists, who then create tailored rehabilitation strategies. Common symptoms among the Danish patients include headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound, and most have found benefit from treatment at UPMC.

Collins argues that the Danish approach often adopts a “one size fits all” model, leaving many feeling helpless. He advocates for more personalized care in Denmark so patients don’t have to travel abroad to receive necessary treatment.

Dr. Hana Malá Rytter, head of the Danish Center for Concussion, agrees, noting disparities in treatment access depending on location. Calls are being made for the establishment of multidisciplinary concussion clinics in Denmark that would offer comprehensive care.

Meanwhile, the Danish healthcare system faces challenges in providing uniform treatment guidelines, leaving patients to navigate a complex system for support.