What is a Concussion?

Have you ever got any mild head injury while playing any sports or during any other accidents? And after that injury did you ever get symptoms like dizziness, blurry vision, difficulty in concentration, imbalance in standing or walking, or anything else which is unusual? If yes, you might wonder what it is actually called…. And that is one type of Traumatic Brain Injury, which has been named “CONCUSSION”.

A concussion is a subcategory of Traumatic Brain Injury. In the literature, ‘mild traumatic brain injury and the term ‘concussion’ are often used interchangeably. The 2017 consensus statement on concussion in sports defines it as a traumatic brain injury induced by biomechanical forces.

Mechanism of Injury

A concussion can be caused by a number of different bio-mechanical means including a blow to the face, neck, or head. Therefore, it can result from any blow that transmits a force to the head.

What happens with our brain in concussion?

When our head gets hit, by a sudden blow or jolt, the brain forcefully moves back & forth against the inner surfaces of our skull. This movement damages and creates pathological changes in brain cells, which will eventually cause problems in normal brain functions according to affected brain parts. Experts consider CONCUSSION as a mild brain injury as it is not dangerous and in the majority of cases, its effects are temporary.

Common Signs & Symptoms after Sustaining a Concussion

• Headache/Pressure in head

• Dizziness

• Confused/Difficulty in Concentration

• Nausea, Vomiting

• Blurry vision

• Amnesia/Memory loss surrounding the incident

• Balance problems

• Sleep disturbances

• Temporary loss of consciousness (Not always)

• Irritated behavior

• Late response by asking any questions

• Forgetfulness

Most common population to get a Concussion? 

People younger than 24 years and older than 75 years are more prone to get this injury.

Athletes playing contact sports, e.g., Football, Ice hockey, soccer, basketball, and many more. It also depends on one’s style of playing the game. Research says, among both genders, Females are more prone to get concussions and show severe symptoms than males.

How Can Physiotherapy Help To Treat Concussion? 

After a first concussion, a person gets more prone to reinjury to the brain. To avoid it, Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the neck and supporting structures. Symptoms related to headache, dizziness, imbalance, and vision are also treated by physiotherapy through various kinds of exercises and protocols. Physiotherapists with Concussion training have a distinctive skill set to provide management of concussion, especially in manners of cervical dysfunction (Neck problems), Vestibular (balance) dysfunction, and return to activity/play.

If you are experiencing similar signs & symptoms after trauma to the head, contact a Physiotherapist for assessment and treatment.

It is better to get it treated soon rather than getting habitual with those problems. We would be more than happy to help you and solve your queries. 

I would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, Book Your Appointment to get started.  Don’t let pain ruin your day!

Written by: Anjali Patel. Registered Physiotherapist Resident. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist. Concussion Management

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594

https://concussionfoundation.org/concussion-resources/what-is-concussion

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Concussion

Integrative Physiotherapy is a Barrie-based clinic that believes in a one-on-one patient-centered, manual therapy (hands-on) approach to physiotherapy. We aim to empower our patients by providing quality care that is personalized to each patient in an interactive and friendly manner. Through the use of the best available treatment techniques, we aim to provide exceptional care so that each patient feels engaged and motivated.

Our therapists are continually upgrading their skills and taking time to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment techniques that are always one on one without the use of assistants or double booking patients to make sure that you achieve your functional and sports goals as soon as possible.  

Our therapists would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, get in touch to schedule your appointment.  Don’t let pain ruin your day!

Integrative Physiotherapy, Empowering Patients with Personalized Care.