What exactly is a concussion? A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Concussions are a result of a blow to the head or a whiplash injury that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the cranium. This type of injury can result in symptoms such as dizziness, headache, blurry vision, fatigue, memory loss, nausea, and balance deficits. Symptoms do not always present until a few days or a week later. The most immediate intervention for concussion recovery is rest to allow the brain to recover normal function. This is accomplished by decreasing mental stress, screen time, and physical activity. Newer research indicates that too much rest can worsen concussion symptoms, hence, subthreshold exercise/activity (intensity below symptom aggravation) is often recommended as soon as day 2 after injury.
According to the CDC, approximately 10% of all contact-sport athletes will suffer a concussion. Early diagnosis and screenings are crucial to prevent second impact syndrome and to promote complete recovery. Athletic trainers are often present on the sidelines to perform quick neurological tests to determine symptoms and severity of the injury. Other members of the team that manages concussion treatment and recovery are neurologists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists. ProFlex employs athletic trainers that serve in our area high schools to provide front line intervention.
Physical Therapists can help with the resolution of symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, headache, visual blurring, and neck pain. Specialized training in vestibular disorders equips the therapist to treat people after a concussion. If symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks; patients are referred to physical therapy where a series of visual exercises, manual therapy, and balance retraining are performed. Physical therapists also assist with return to exercise tolerance by monitoring concussion symptoms and elevating the heart rate to encourage a return to pre-injury levels of performance ProFlex Waldorf offers state of the art concussion treatment.
Trenna Coghan, PT
