What is a concussion?
A concussion can occur from a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. It is a brain injury that causes changes in how the brain functions, leading to symptoms that may include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Depression or irritability
• Drowsiness or difficulty falling asleep
Though concussions are common sport injuries, particularly among children and adolescents, their sometimes-subtle symptoms may go unnoticed. Without identification and proper management, a concussion can result in permanent or severe brain damage.
Assessment / Examination
A detailed assessment will be performed post injury and will consist of two parts, a detailed history and a physical examination. During the history portion, your practitioner will gain information on the following:
• How the injury occurred
• How you felt immediately after
• How you’re feeling currently
• History of previous concussions
• Current and past medical conditions
• Previous trauma/injury
• Medications
The physical examination will provide insight into the severity of your injury, as well as specific impairments that may need to be addressed as part of an ongoing management strategy. This portion of testing may include a combination of the following:
• Balance testing
• Strength and Coordination testing
• Screening of visual motor skills
• Vestibular (or equilibrium) testing
• Gait assessment
• Generalized neurological screen
• Orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (e.g. neck, shoulders).
Treatment
Management strategies are used to limit the amount of impairment as well as expedite recovery as much as possible. These strategies may include any one or a combination of the following and are case-dependent:
• Individualized resting strategies and home instruction
• Specific recommendations around employment/academic demands
• Manual therapy for associated complaints (neck pain, whiplash etc.)
• Visual motor rehabilitation
• Vestibular therapy
• Physical exertion testing and exercise plans for return-to-sport
It is recommended that athletes and active individuals undergo a step-wise process of physical exertion testing once symptom free. Similar to weight training, athletes recovering from a concussion should not skip to 100% exertion from 0% in a short time frame. Physical exertion testing is important not only for physical re-conditioning, but to guard against symptom relapse and help prevent premature return-to-sport. Our Shift professionals can guide you through this process.
