Concussions
Concussions: an introduction
Concussions are conditions that occur as a result of trauma to the head such as car accidents, falls, direct hits to the head, etc. They are common in people who play contact sports such as soccer, field hockey, rugby and combat sports. Although it mostly affects athletes, unfortunately, no one is immune. Symptoms related to a concussion vary greatly from one person to another, and depend on several factors such as the severity of the trauma and the number of previous concussions, among others.
Symptoms of a concussion
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Blurred vision
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Emotional changes
Why seek physiotherapy after a concussion?
Symptoms following a concussion can last for several weeks or even months, especially if the person is not aware of the guidelines for this type of injury. It is therefore very important to be managed by a health professional in order to properly evaluate the deficiencies, limitations and restrictions caused by the trauma and to guide the patient in his or her rehabilitation. A physiotherapy consultation allows for a quicker elimination of symptoms and reduces the risk of post-concussion relapse. In addition, osteopathy and kinesiology sessions can also be very beneficial to promote better healing.
Characteristics of a concussion assessment
In addition to the subjective and objective evaluation of the patient’s physical condition, the physiotherapist can also administer a test specific to concussions called the SCAT-5. This test consists of several steps to evaluate, among other things, the patient’s symptoms, orientation, concentration, memory, balance and coordination. This test is also a good tool to evaluate the progression of the patient’s signs and symptoms over time.
Our team includes several health professionals (physiotherapists, osteopaths, kinesiologists, sports physicians) who will be able to take good care of you if you have suffered a concussion.
A little advice before your first appointment
Try to avoid any activity that increases your symptoms. You will be guided on how to manage your activities after the evaluation. Also, at your first appointment, some tests may increase the intensity of your symptoms. This is why we recommend that you come accompanied to ensure your safety on the road.