What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a force such as a direct blow to the head, neck or face, or from a blow to another part of the body with a mechanical force transmitted to the head. A concussion can be the result of a motor vehicle accident, sports related injuries, falls etc. The individual may not experience a loss of consciousness with the incident. In fact, only approximately 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness.
How do we manage a concussion?
Management will depend on the individual patient presentation and may require a team of health-care professionals who collaborate to provide integrated care. Many concussions will resolve on their own within 7-10 days however, if symptoms persist past this time it is important to receive care from someone who is trained on managing concussions. Our Concussion and Vestibular Physiotherapist, Dylan Parsons has a significant amount of experience and training in treating patients with concussions and vestibular disorders (common causes of dizziness). He will develop a customized plan based on your symptoms to help you return to school, work, sports, and all of your activities of daily living.
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion:
• Headache
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Balance problems or Dizziness
• Fuzzy or blurred vision
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Feeling “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information
• Irritability or Mood disturbances
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Light or sound sensitivity
*Courtesy of physiotherapy Alberta – College + Association