by Dr. Christine Weidemann, PT, DPT, OCS
Since this upcoming month is brain injury awareness month, we thought it would be a great time to provide some information regarding concussion education. Here at California Therapy Solutions, we have been expanding our services and resources for individuals recovering from concussions.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic force to the head. This can cause a complex cascade of events. Concussions can range in severity from being less minor than a jammed finger to more severe than an ACL tear.
How long will it last?
The length and severity of symptoms vary with every individual; however, if you are proactive about addressing your recovery, your symptoms will likely subside more quickly than if you leave the injury untreated.
What are some possible symptoms?
· Headache/migraine – sensitivity to light/noise
· Neck pain – increased symptoms when moving your head
· Dizziness – when turning your head, or difficulty with focusing on objects/reading
· Balance challenges – feeling off/unsteady
· Sleep disturbances – difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently; fatigue throughout the
day
· Anxiety/mood changes – increased anxiety, irritability, or depression
· Cognitive changes – difficulty with concentration, memory, multitasking
What should you do if you have a concussion?
While you may have been told in the past to sit in a dark room and avoid exercise, studies have shown that this method can lead to higher instances of depression and that patients often report falling behind in work, school, or sports. There are now more effective ways of treating concussions.
At CTS, we have access to the latest technologies in concussion management that allow you to have the quickest and most complete recovery possible. If you have experienced a concussion, call us to schedule an appointment where we will work together to provide a specific recovery program tailored to your needs.
How does CTS treat concussions?
CTS has partnered with experts in the concussion field to provide you with the most cutting-edge programs in concussion rehabilitation and recovery. Our services include:
· Oculomotor/Vision training
· Vestibular training
· Cardiovascular exertional training
· Balance/Agility training
· Sensory integration
· Manual therapy techniques to decrease tension/compensatory strategies
To read more about our concussion program, partners, and technologies, click here.
How to prevent re-injury?
· Be patient with your recovery to make sure that your symptoms resolve.
· Be aware of what symptoms to look out for if another head injury occurs.
If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
References:
· Sleep in Elite Athletes and Nutritional Interventions to Enhance Sleep
· Shona L. Halson, Sports Medicine 2014, volume 44, pages 13-23
· “Assessment, Management, and Treatment for Concussion and Mild TBI. Effective
Strategies to Improve Pain, Balance, and Function” Presented by Cristin Beazley, PT, DPT,
CBIS 2019
· The Stanford Sports Medicine Concussion Policy
· Catherine C. Quatman-Yates, et al. Physical therapy evaluation, and treatment after
concussion/mild traumatic brain injury. Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy,
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Inc. and the Journal of Orthopaedic and
Sports Physical Therapy. 2020
· Angela Brown, et al. Concussion Guidelines Step 2: Evidence for subtype classification.
Neurosurgery Vol 0, Number 0. 2019
· “CrashCourse Concussion Education Is Elevating the Game.” TeachAids, teachaids.org/for- concussions/crashcourse/.
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