The Role of Physio in Concussion Management
The Role Of Physio For Concussion Management Will you believe it if we say that your favourite sport, football, is among the top sports that cause a concussion? Well, it’s true that concussion is the most common disease of the present time. Approximately 2 million people suffer from concussions in the USA every year. It is something very upsetting to hear; however, the good news is it can easily be treated. So, what is there for you to know is what exactly a concussion is, why and how it happens, treatments, and how to prevent it right here in Edmonton. Additionally, if you’re a sportsperson or an athlete, then make sure you go through this blog to read Physio for concussion treatment and what’s there for athlete. What Is Concussion? Let’s keep everything aside and first take a look at the science of concussion is. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden and forceful impact or movement within the skull. This impact can result from a blow to the head, a fall, or any other force that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. The name “concussion” is often used to describe mild traumatic brain injuries. Moreover, Concussions are common in various situations, including sports-related injuries, car accidents, falls, and incidents at work or home. Symptoms • Physical Symptoms Headache: A common sign is an ongoing or worsening headache.Nausea and Vomiting: Vomiting and nausea might happen. Dizziness: Problems with balance and coordination are examples of balance issues. Light and Noise Sensitivity: Higher reactivity to light and noise. Blurred or dual vision: Can occur as a result of visual disturbances. Cognitive (Thinking) Symptoms Confusion: Feeling disoriented or confused about events. Memory Issues: Difficulties in remembering events and occasions. Concentration Issues: Trouble focusing or maintaining attention. Slurred Speech: Speech may be unclear or slower than usual. Emotional Symptoms Irritability: Increased irritability or mood changes. Anxiety: Feeling anxious or nervous without clear reason. Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Sleep-Related Symptoms Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.Excessive Sleep: Feeling unusually tired and sleeping more than usual. Causes Blows to the Head: Direct blows to the head, whether from collisions, falls, or accidents, can cause the brain to jolt against the skull, leading to a concussion. This can occur in various situations, including sports activities, car accidents, or workplace incidents. Whiplash or Body Impact: Forces that cause the head to suddenly stop or change direction, even without a direct impact on the head, can result in a concussion. For example, whiplash from a car accident or a forceful tackle in sports can cause the brain to move forcefully within the skull. Falls: Falls, especially those involving a blow to the head, are a common cause of concussions. This can happen in everyday situations, such as slipping on ice, falling downstairs, or tripping on uneven surfaces. Sports Injuries: Concussions frequently occur in contact sports where there is a risk of collision or impact, such as football, soccer, hockey, and basketball. Athletes may experience concussions from clashes with opponents, falls, or being struck by equipment. Explosions or Blast Injuries: Military personnel and individuals exposed to explosive blasts, such as in combat or unavoidable industrial accidents, may experience concussions due to the force generated by the explosion. Assaults or Physical Altercations: Intentional blows to the head during altercations, assaults, or physical fights can cause concussions. How It Can Be Treated Diagnosing a concussion is a time-consuming process that requires a thorough examination of numerous factors. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, healthcare professionals, typically doctors or neurologists, use a variety of methods. The clinical evaluation is an important first step, in which the healthcare provider investigates the circumstances surrounding the injury, inquires about symptoms, and determines whether there was any loss of consciousness. They may also examine the individual’s medical history, paying special attention to any previous instances of concussions and their overall health. The neurological examination, which provides a thorough evaluation of cognitive function, balance, coordination, reflexes, and sensory responses, is an important component of the diagnostic process. While imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs are not always required to diagnose a concussion, they may be performed in certain cases to rule out potential complications such as brain bleeding. Memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions are evaluated using specific cognitive tests, such as the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool). In addition, the healthcare provider carefully assesses symptoms, determining their presence and severity, such as headaches, dizziness, and memory problems. This multifaceted approach ensures a thorough understanding of the individual’s condition and assists in developing an appropriate plan of action for managing and treating the concussion. Management Of Concussion The primary treatment for a concussion is rest and gradual return to normal activities. Here are the key components of concussion management: Physical and Cognitive Rest: Rest is crucial during the acute phase of a concussion. This includes limiting physical activities, screen time, and cognitive exertion. Adequate sleep is also essential for the healing process. Gradual Return to Activities: Once symptoms begin to improve, a step-by-step return to normal activities is recommended. This gradual reintroduction helps prevent symptom exacerbation. Athletes, in particular, follow a structured return-to-play protocol. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, may be recommended to manage headaches. However, certain medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, may be avoided due to their potential to increase bleeding risk. Symptom Management: Specific symptoms may be addressed individually. For example, anti-nausea medication may be prescribed for persistent nausea. Counseling and Education: Education about concussion symptoms, recovery expectations, and potential complications is crucial. Counseling may also help manage psychological aspects, such as anxiety or depression. Close Monitoring: Individuals recovering from a concussion should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals, especially in the initial days and weeks after the injury. Can Concussion Be Prevented? To ensure safety and prevent head injuries, take an active part in all aspects of life. The use of safeguards
