A concussion can be a life-altering event and often require significant rehabilitation in order to regain normal function. If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion it is important to understand the rehabilitation process and what to expect.
This blog post will provide an overview of the different types of concussions and how they can help improve quality of life.
Most people think of rehabilitation as physical therapy to regain movement and function after an injury. However, concussion treatment is much more than that. It is a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of the person’s life, from cognition and communication to emotions and behavior.
Did you know that every day, about 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? This can be a result of anything from a fall to a car accident.
What Are The Goals of A Concussion Treatment?
The main goal of concussion treatment is to help the person recover as much function as possible and improve their quality of life.
This is done through a variety of different therapies that address the different symptoms of a concussion. For example, physical therapy can help with balance and coordination problems. Speech therapy can help with communication difficulties. And occupational therapy can help with daily activities and returning to work or school.
Concussion management can be divided into three main phases: acute, subacute, and chronic.
The acute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI) begins immediately after the injury and can last for days to weeks. The focus during this phase is on stabilizing the person medically and preventing further damage. This may involve surgery, medications, and close monitoring by a medical team.
Once the person is stable, the focus shifts to the subacute phase of concussion treatment. This phase can last for weeks to months and focuses on helping the person regain as much function and independence as possible. therapies such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy are often used during this phase.
The chronic phase of a traumatic brain injury is typically defined as lasting more than 12 months after the injury. The focus during this phase is on maximizing the person’s function and quality of life. This may involve continued therapies, as well as vocational training and support for the person and their family.
Concussion Management is a long and difficult process, but it can make a significant difference in a person’s life. With the right team in place, it can help the person regain function and independence, and improve their quality of life.
What Are The Concussion Symptoms?
The concussion symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They can range from mild to severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Common concussion symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Concentration difficulties
- Balance problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
What Are The Causes of A Traumatic Brain Injury?
Concussions can be caused by a variety of different things, from falls and car accidents to sports injuries and assaults. Most concussions happen when you hit your head hard or if your head moves around quickly.
Concussions can also be caused by non-impact forces, such as blast waves from explosions. When the brain is jarred or shaken forcefully, it can bump against the skull and sustain damage.
It’s important to remember that not all head injuries result in a concussion. A concussion is a specific type of brain injury that is caused by a force that alters the brain’s function.
What Are The Different Types of Brain Injury?
There are two main types of brain injury: traumatic and acquired.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head or exposure to a blast wave. Concussions are a type of TBI.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is caused by internal forces, such as a stroke or tumor.
What Are The Risks Factors That Contribute To A Concussion?
There are a number of different factors that can increase your risk of sustaining a concussion. These include:
Age: Children and teens are more likely to suffer from concussions than adults, due to their still-developing brains.
Activity: Certain activities, such as playing contact sports or riding a motorcycle, increase your risk of concussion.
Gender: Men are more likely to suffer from concussions than women.
Medical history: If you’ve had a concussion before, you’re more likely to have one again.
Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol increases your risk of sustaining a concussion.
Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat ADHD, can increase your risk of concussion.
How Is A Concussion Diagnosed?
If you think you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Concussions can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary and may not appear immediately after the injury.
A doctor will typically ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them. They may also ask about your medical history and whether you’ve had a concussion before.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order a CT scan or MRI of the brain. These imaging tests can show if there is any damage to the brain.
In some cases, the doctor may also order a cognitive test, such as the ImPACT test, to assess your cognitive function.
At Pillars of Wellness, our team of specialists can provide cognitive health assessment and explain clearly the results and provide some recommendations.
What Are Concussion Treatment Options?
There is no one-size-fits-all concussion treatment. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your concussion symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them.
In most cases, the best thing you can do is rest and give your brain time to heal. This means avoiding activities that require mental or physical exertion, such as working, going to school, exercising, watching television, using a computer, or playing video games.
You should also avoid alcohol and drugs, as these can slow down the healing process.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend a more intensive treatment plan. This may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and even speech therapy.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help With Concussion Treatment?
At Pillars of Wellness, our team of concussion specialists offer a variety of treatment options to help you recover from your concussion.
One of the most effective treatments for concussion is occupational therapy. It can have a number of benefits (not limited):
- Relief from pain and general pain management
- Instruction on how to manage symptoms and recuperate from an injury.
- Regain the ability to engage in everyday activities.
- Make immediate and long-term differences in your daily quality of life.
- Use preventive or corrective actions to lead a more satisfying life.
How Can Physiotherapy Help With Concussion Treatment?
Physiotherapy is another treatment option that can be beneficial for concussion patients. It can help to:
- Relieve pain.Increase range of motion.Improve strength and coordination.Decrease inflammation.Reduce swelling.
- Improve your speech.Reduce any communication difficulties you’re experiencing.Restore your ability to swallow properly.
Wrapping up
Brain injuries can be extremely serious and even life-threatening. If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. The team at our concussion clinic is here to help. We offer a variety of services to support people with brain injuries and their families. Whether you need information about concussion management or how to find the best concussion treatment for you, we are here to help. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. If you want to learn more about Physiotherapy services atPillars of Wellness, click HERE.
Sarita Chadda, Occupational Therapy
