Concussion rehabilitation
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a head injury caused by moving forces such as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, that results in a variety of symptoms and temporary changes in mental status, coordination, and balance. It's the most common type of traumatic brain injury.
Who is at Risk for a Concussion?
Anyone. Concussions occur frequently in sports (especially contact sports), but they can happen from falls, car accidents, and non-contact sports too.
Concussion Signs
- Show behavior or personality change
- Lose consciousness, even briefly
- Are confused about assignment
- Appear to be dazed or stunned
- Forget events prior to injury
- Forget events after injury
- Answer questions slowly
- Move clumsily
Concussion Symptoms
- Problems with concentration/memory
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Change in sleep pattern
- Double or fuzzy vision
- Feeling "foggy"
- Headache
- Nausea
What should I do if I think I have a concussion?
- Tell your coach, parent, or healthcare provider immediately.
- See a trained healthcare provider.
- Follow treatment and rehabilitation plans provided by your doctor.
Whys is reporting a concussion so important?
If you think you have a concussion and you don't report it, there is a serious risk for second impact syndrome (SIS). SIS is a serious condition that occurs when a person gets a second concussion before the first is fully healed. The brain swells and there can be lasting consequences (even death).
Our Concussion Rehabilitation Therapist
Concussion Rehabilitation
Our Neurologic Certified Specialist, and ImPACT trained therapist, Cassie Cochrane PT, DPT, provides comprehensive concussion care.
We understand that concussion symptoms and recovery time are unique to every person, that's why Cassie performs an in depth exam and develops an individualized care plan to help get you back to activities you enjoy.
How physical therapy can help after a concussion:
Most often, after a concussion, patients have difficulty returning to normal activities and are easily fatigued with even simle household chores or sitting for just a couple hours in school.
After suffering a concussion you may have:
- Dizziness, fogginess, feeling detached
- Motion discomfort, nausea
- Difficulty in busy visual environment
- Anxiety, increased emotionality, intolerance to busy places
- Fatigue, difficulty focusing, difficulty with math/reading, blurred vision
- Impaired balance
Vestibular Rehabilitation
These concussion symptoms can be improved with vestibular rehabilitation.
A concussion assessment with Cassie will include:
- Thorough clinical interview
- Vestibulo-ocular screen
- Activity screening (for example: treadmill test)
- General screening of strength
- Cervical screen
InMotion Physical Therapy ensures the best care possible for those who have sustained a concussion. Our team is up-to-date on the latest research and rehabilitation techniques for treating concussions.
Certain risk factors can be indicative of a longer concussion recovery:
- Previous Concussion
- Migraine
- LD/ADHD
- Female gender
- Age
- History of eye issues
Based on symptom presentation and the patient's clinical trajectory, a physical therapy treatment plan will be developed that will help you successfully return to sport or other desired functional activities.
Treatment activities may include:
- Gaze stabilization exercises
- Vestibular retraining activities
- Manual care to address cervical deficits
- Balance activities
- Reaction training exercises to increase speed of mental and physical reactions
- Sport specific activities
- General conditioning
Speak to Cassie yourself if you have any questions:
- cassiecochrane@inmotionptg.com
- 304-295-7290