A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They may also occur from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Most people can recover fully within days, weeks, or a few months, however, if not addressed and managed appropriately symptoms can last even longer and serious consequences can occur.
Symptoms of concussion usually fall into four categories:
1. Cognitive:
Difficulty thinking clearly, feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating or remembering new information
2. Physical:
Headaches, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling tired/no energy, dizziness or balance problems, blurry vision
3. Emotional:
Mood irritability, sadness, more emotional, nervousness or anxiety
4. Sleep Disturbance:
Sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep
The Concussion Management Team at Community Sports and Therapy Center is here to provide assistance to progress the patient back to normal activities as quickly as possible. This is completed by providing guidelines and treatments specifically chosen based on evaluation and deficits found.
Treatment components include:
Physical Therapy
Assessment provided in areas of cervical dysfunction, visual and oculomotor issues, vestibular issues, and balance. Treatment may consist of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, modalities, gait and balance activities in a supervised environment with monitoring of physical symptoms.
Speech Therapy
Perform a complete standardized assessment in cognitive linguistics areas which may include the following areas: memory, orientation, problem solving, attention, reasoning, organizational language and abstract thinking.
The Concussion Management Team is a multidisciplinary effort that can include your physician, family, school, coach, work supervisor, athletic trainer, and/or other therapies, to assist you in your return to your prior level of function. Contact our Concussion Management Team to understand and manage the various symptoms of concussions and to decrease the chance of prolonged symptoms such as Post Concussion Syndrome.