CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. The impact causes a biochemical imbalance within the brain cells, resulting in decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, headache, pressure in the head, neck pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, or balance problems, among others.

During the early stage following injury, a period of relative symptom limited physical and cognitive rest is recommended. Research suggests 24 to 48 hours, however, these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Following a short period of rest, the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport (2016) recommends a gradual increase in mental and physical activity by a licensed healthcare practitioner trained in concussion management.  

Concussion assessment

After a thorough concussion assessment with a Registered Physiotherapist, they can differentiate the various causes of symptoms and contributing factors. Implementation of your treatment plan for concussion management would then follow, with specialized focus on different symptom areas. You will be guided through the rehabilitation process with a Physiotherapist and / or Athletic Therapist to get you back in action.

Concussion treatment

Our clinic offers concussion treatment services & strategies including:

·      Exertional testing for return-to-sport readiness and sub-symptom threshold exercise

        programs for persistent symptoms

·      vestibular, oculomotor, and cervical spine rehabilitation

·      balance, reaction time, visual processing, and neurocognitive testing (pre-season

       baseline and/or post-injury/return to sport testing)

·      Educational resources

·      Return to work, school, sport planning

Book with our team today!