What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions often occur from a sports or recreational injury, work injury, motor vehicle accident, or fall that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. When a concussion has occurred there is a chemical imbalance inside the brain, which interferes with nerve cells that send messages throughout the body. Cognitive function, functions related to the body (such as imbalance, dizziness, headaches, visual problems), emotional functions, and sleep can be disrupted.
What are the most common symptoms observed/reported?
- Imbalance or uncoordinated movement
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Visual problems
- Feeling “foggy”
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleeping more than usual or increased fatigue
- Mood or personality changes
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Forgetting simple things, answering questions slowly, repeating questions
What to do after sustaining a concussion:
First, see a licensed medical professional in order to be medically evaluated. Rest (both physical and mental) is usually the best treatment for a concussion. Specific brain rest in which there is a reduction of stimuli such as computers, television, phones, noise, and bright lights as well a reduction in physical activities give the brain time to heal. Your doctor will give specific instructions. Symptoms typically improve in a short period.
If symptoms persist longer than 7-10 days, rehabilitation may be needed to gain a better understanding of the extent of injury and to assist with recovery.
Aquacare Physical Therapy has specialists trained to examine, screen, and treat areas affected by the concussion, such as the brain, inner ears, eyes, and neck.Each patient will receive a thorough examination by a physical therapist certified in vestibular rehabilitation, specially trained to assess patients with post concussion syndrome. Treatment is individualized for the patient, depending upon the person’s symptoms, impairments, and functional limitations. Examination includes:
- Cervical assessment, such as ligament integrity, range of motion, strength, and muscle tone, headache history
- Vestibular assessment, such as oculomotor testing, positional vertigo testing, balance testing
Treatments are specific to each individuals’ impairments. The physical exertion component of rehab is adapted from the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, a 6 stage protocol for safe return to physical activity, including return to work and sport.