CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can cause lasting effects on brain tissue occurs when the brain is violently shaken and changes the chemical balance of the brain
Concussion may cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms and problems and recovery from a concussion can take several weeks to several months depending on many factors, including severity of the injury and the age of the affected person
The injury can happen during rapid movement changes when the head is directly hit. This shaking or hitting of the head causes unpredictable injury to any area of the brain which can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately following any head injury.
Concussions can occur at any age, from a variety of causes, including:
- Motor vehicle collisions (whiplash)
- Sports injury to the head or neck
- Falls
- Work accidents
- Playground accidents (ie, falling from a slide or swing)
- Violent events like Physical abuse during which the head is shaken
- Direct blow to the head, face, or neck
- Assaults, domestic violence
Physical symptoms of a concussion can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Double or blurred vision
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased sleepiness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Slurred speech
Cognitive symptoms can include:
- Difficulty with short-term or long-term memory
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
Emotional symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Decreased tolerance of stress
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
Longer-term symptoms of concussion
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of libido
- Loss of menstruation
- Growth problems (children)
- Weight gain
- Chronic headaches or dizziness
- Muscle spasticity
- Early dementia/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (brain disorder)
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Physical therapists can evaluate and treat many problems related to concussion. Our physical therapist will examine your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems in order to design a treatment program to address your particular symptoms and yourneeds.
Treatment may include:
Rest and recovery of the patient- A period of rest helps the brain heal and helps symptoms reduce soon after concussion. Our registered physical therapist will prescribe the rest and recovery program best suited for your condition.
Strength and endurance. – Our registered physical therapist will help you regain your strength and endurance. Our licensed physical therapist will design a therapeutic treatment program, monitor your symptoms on regular basis and treat your symptoms related to concussion
Balance Training – If you have dizziness or difficulty following the concussion, our vestibular physical therapist will design a treatment program that will help you overcome balance problems. Our qualified vestibular physical therapist will help you in reducing dizziness or balance problems after a concussion by applying special treatments or teaching you specific exercises.
Headaches and management – Our physical therapist will use specific treatments and exercises to reduce and eliminate headaches following concussion. The physiotherapy treatment may include stretches, strength and motion exercises, eye exercises, and other treatments like specialized massage and other electrical modalities
Returning to normal activity – Once the symptom ease, our physical therapist will help you gradually add normal activities back into your daily routine. Our licensed physical therapist will help you return to the normal life the best way possible