Although most commonly associated with sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents, they are more common than you think. About 50 million people a year experience concussions and are classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damage to brain cells and neurochemical changes.
Severity
While concussions are generally referred to as "mild" TBIs because they are usually not life-threatening, all brain injuries, including concussions, should be taken seriously.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a concussion may include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
Recovery
Most people with concussions recover completely within 2-3 weeks if given proper rest and a gradual return to activities. However, some individuals may experience symptoms that affect behavior, mood, memory, or emotions for months or longer. There can also be lingering balance and visual changes. Persons whose symptoms have not resolved in the expected time frame may be experiencing Post Concussion Syndrome (read more here).
How can a physical therapist help?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in concussion rehabilitation, offering tailored interventions to help patients recover and return to normal activities safely. At Fluid Physio, we focus on providing a thorough evaluation and individualized treatment approach that includes a neurological evaluation, orthopedic assessment (such as of cervical spine, postural muscle endurance), vision screening (tracking, hand eye coordination, etc.), balance and vestibular testing, as well as a check of the cardiovascular system. Whether the concussion happened 1 week or 1 year ago, we take pride in providing holistic, whole-person centered rehab to get you back on track.
For more information, check out this great article on our website: Concussion
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