A "concussion" is classified as a form of a mild traumatic brain injury. While most symptoms of a concussion will resolve with little to no treatment within a few days, some individuals will experience longer lasting effects.
Our brain is like a bowl of gelatin protected by the hard shell of our skull. While most concussions occur as a result of a blow to the head, patients can experience the effects of a concussion without actually making direct contact to the head. For example, a fall could jolt the head or neck causing the brain to impact the skull. It is common to experience a whiplash effect resulting in neck pain and headaches. A concussed individual may also experience dizziness, brain fog, eye strain, and fatigue.
Concussion symptoms can be classified into five main categories including cognitive, oculomotor, headache/migraine, vestibular, and anxiety/mood. Other associated conditions may include sleep disturbance or cervical strain. Most individuals will recover from the acute onset of concussion within the first few days. However, others may experience longer lasting effects and a referral to physical therapy may be beneficial.
Treatment of a concussion often takes a multidisciplinary approach between the athletic trainer, primary care physician, physical therapist and in some cases more specialized needs like neurology, neuropsychology and/or optometry.
For lingering symptoms of a concussion, an individual would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation by a Prairie Lakes Physical Therapist. This multi-system exam may include evaluation of the cervical musculoskeletal system to assess for neck pain, headache, muscle tension and/or postural dysfunction. A vestibulo-oculomotor exam would assess for symptoms such as dizziness/vertigo, balance problems, visual motion sensitivity and/or eye tracking difficulties.
The physical therapy evaluation may also assess for autonomic dysfunction or exertional intolerance. A patient with a concussion may have a decreased ability to adjust to exertion with regards to heart rate or blood pressure and they may have a higher perceived rate of exertion with daily activities and/or their sport.
Lastly, a physical therapist will assess motor function which may cause deficits in balance, postural control, reaction times, coordination and/or inability to complete multi- or dual-task activities.
If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion and symptoms do not resolve within a few days, consider Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services for further evaluation and treatment. To schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, call 605-882-7700.
Jackie Lake, Physical Therapist