A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects the brain functions after a blow or a head trauma. 90% of the time, symptoms resolve spontaneously within 4 weeks. However, it is important to note that in some cases (10%) symptoms may be prolonged. This results in significant and ongoing disability affecting educational, occupational, social and emotional functioning.
Post-concussion syndrome occurs when symptoms resulting from a concussion, persist beyond the expected time-frame of recovery.
Post–concussion signs and symptoms:
-Headache, dizziness, blurry vision, fatigue, altered noise tolerance, loss of balance
-Irritability, depression, anxiety, emotional lability.
-loss of concentration, memory, or intellectual difficulties, Insomnia
Post–Concussion recommended management:
-Education: provided by a health professional, about common symptoms, expected duration, symptoms management, etc.
-Rest: physical and cognitive rest. Relaxation techniques to decrease anxiety and improve sleeping quality. Gradual return to study /work/ practice guided by a health professional.
–Manual therapy Watson-headache approach is useful in treating headaches caused by a concussion. The first step is an assessment of the upper cervical spine, as this area has been shown to directly influence the brainstem, or ‘control’ centre for issues such as migraines.
-Vestibular rehabilitation: When symptoms of concussion such as dizziness, vertigo and imbalance fail to recover spontaneously, vestibular rehabilitation can be used effectively to aid in the normalization of a patient’s vestibular responses
In conclusion, evidence shows that a multimodal physiotherapy treatment for individuals with clinical evidence of cervical spine and/or vestibular dysfunction may be of benefit–.
If you want to learn more about post–concussion management, please call us to book an appointment on 07 42319777, email admin@wellnessembodiedcairns.com or use the Book Now button on our website! Refer to managing persistent MTBI symptoms by the Ontario Neurotrauma group.
By Clara Andrich, Physiotherapist, Wellness Embodied Cairns.
