Concussion following motor vehicle accident, fall or blow to the head have been recognized in the past decade as a significant injury. A concussion may also be called a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The injury to the brain may cause a wide range of symptoms. There are often associated injuries that may include the spine, shoulders and jaw, among others. Concussion symptoms may include headaches, visual disturbances, light or noise sensitivity, dizziness/balance issues, fogginess and sleep disturbance. Long term sleep issues are associated with fatigue and possibly depression. Concussion symptoms may also include difficulty with concentration and memory as well as anxiety.
A trained therapist can identify which symptoms are present. There are a number of interventions that can help the symptoms such as sleep hygiene, light and noise filters, eye and balance exercises. It is also important to continue to be physically active. Too much inactivity has been associated with poor and longer recovery. The level of activity should only increase your symptoms very mildly and the symptoms should return to the pre-activity level quickly.
Concussion management may include a number of medical professionals depending on the severity and type of the symptoms. All suspected concussion should be seen by a medical doctor. From there interventions from other clinicians may include but not limited to Physiotherapist, Manual Osteopath, Massage Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Optometrist.
Early intervention is important to expedite recovery. Large majority of concussion symptoms resolve completely. Having a second concussion before the first in resolved normally requires longer time for resolution. Having multiple concussion has also shown longer recovery time. Unfortunately, severe or multiple concussions may require many months to years for recovery and in some cases have lasting symptoms. With early intervention and proper management, most concussion symptoms resolve completely.