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Concussion Management and Rehabilitation
A concussion is a change in the functional state of your brain secondary to an impact or shearing forces inside the skull. This typically causes a short lived disruption of your normal mental abilities, it can be associated with head pain and dizziness. Most concussions resolve with rest within a few days to weeks, but some, especially if it is not your first injury, may take longer or even leave persistent symptoms. Signs and symptoms caused by a concussion may not present initially and may evolve over the next few hours to days after the initial insult.
How to recognize a concussion?
Did you or the injured person have a change in mental or physical state following a blow to the head or through whiplash mechanism? Please note you do not need to be hit in the head to sustain a concussion. A blow to the body or a car accident that causes your head to whip back and forth or to the side can also cause a concussion.
If you suspect that you have a concussion seek medical attention. Either go to emergency (especially if your symptoms are worsening) or see your family doctor. If your symptoms are not resolving or you would like guidance during the early recovery, book an appointment.
What does a concussion assessment include?
- Neurological assessment including cranial nerves
- Orthopaedic neck exam
- Ocular motor & vestibular function (including balance)
- Movement sensitivity
- Exertion testing (to determine Autonomic nervous system response)
- ImPACT computerized neurocognitive assessment
TAKE THE CONCUSSION SEVERITY SCALE QUIZ:
If you have been diagnosed with a concussion or suspect that you have one, book now for an assessment and start the process of getting your symptoms under control. Take our symptom severity quiz and submit when booking your appointment.
Common concussion symptoms include:
SYMPTOMS:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
- Motion sensitivity
- Sensitivity to light
- Reports seeing stars
- Difficulty reading
- Depth perception
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
SIGNS:
- Disorientation
- Delayed response to questions
- Vacant stare
- Memory loss
- Poor concentration
- Slurred speech
- Slower reading speed
- Unsteadiness
- Vomiting
MENTAL HEALTH CHANGES:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Increased irritability
- Mood swings
- Abnormal behavior
- Personality changes
What can I do if my concussion symptoms don’t go away?
Persistent symptoms from concussions occur in up to 30% of people. Individuals who have had previous concussions, are young (under 18) or older, who have learning or mood disorders, or suffer migraines have a higher risk of a longer recovery. In addition, concussions can cause trauma that results in vestibular dysfunction (our sense of balance) and visual function. If you are having symptoms, assessment to determine which neurological systems are at fault and rehabilitating those specific deficits can help you recover faster.