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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.
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.
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.
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.
Irritability: Increased irritability or mood changes.
Anxiety: Feeling anxious or nervous without clear reason.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Excessive Sleep: Feeling unusually tired and sleeping more than usual.
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.
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.
To ensure safety and prevent head injuries, take an active part in all aspects of life. The use of safeguards such as helmets, mouth guards, and padding is important in sports and outdoor activities. To provide the best protection, this equipment must fit properly and be well-maintained. Following safety guidelines and rules at sporting and cultural events reduce the risk of head injuries. Encourage others to do the same, and a collective commitment to safety is formed.
Aside from sports, you must develop safe driving habits. Seat belts should be worn at all times, and child safety seats and booster seats for young passengers should be used. Falls are a common cause of head injuries, so measures such as installing stair handrails, keeping floors clear, and using non-slip mats help to create a safe environment. Tripping hazards can be avoided by maintaining living and play areas well-lit and by securing heavy appliances and furniture.
When leaving everything on one side and physiotherapy on the other. The conclusion will be physiotherapy as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for all your concussion problems. If you live in or near Edmonton, there are multiple physiotherapy clinics to help you get started with your treatment. One of the most known clinics is Creekwood Physiotherapy. They provide a bunch of services, including Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Pelvic Pain, Hand Physiotherapy, Dry needling, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Spinal Decompression, Shockwave Therapy, Work Related Injuries Rehab, etc.
As for athletes, the treatment of concussion, the symptoms, and the causes are a go-to guide. A sportsperson once in their lifetime can face a concussion or see their co-sportsperson dealing with it. This is why knowing everything about this common disease including how to know if you have a concussion, how long does a concussion lasts, and seeing how it is treated can be your on-the-go dictionary for concussion problems.
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