Concussion
Concussion & Physiotherapy
In the Bon Secours Physiotherapy department we offer a unique concussion service. Our specialist concussion physiotherapists carry out a detailed examination of each patient. Our treatment aim is a return to full social, physical and cognitive function.
Our physiotherapists have experience of treating all ages of patients from the school child to recreational athletes. We liaise closely with Dr. Niamh Lynch, Consultant Paediatrician, who leads the Bon Secours Hospital Concussion Service, our Consultants in Emergency Medicine, GPs and adult neurologists as needed.
Concussion can occur at any age, and from a variety of causes, including:
- Car accidents - whiplash
- Work accidents - falls, head trauma
- Playground accidents - falling from a slide or swing
- Sports injury to the head or neck
- Any type of fall or direct blow to the head, face, or neck
Concussion is a complex injury that can have many symptoms. Most commonly reported symptoms (Kontos et al 2012) are:
| Symptom | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headache | 75% |
| 2 | Difficulty Concentrating | 57% |
| 3 | Fatigue | 52% |
| 4 | Drowsiness | 51% |
| 5 | Dizziness | 49% |
| 6 | Foggy | 47% |
| 7 | Feeling Slowed Down | 46% |
| 8 | Light Sensitivity | 45% |
| 9 | Balance Problems | 39% |
| 10 | Difficulty with Memory | 38% |
The majority of concussions will resolve within the first few weeks (as per graph below) but for some patients, symptoms can persist.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the treatment of concussion, particularly in the areas of balance and vestibular rehabilitation. New research has found that patients with post-concussion syndrome recover faster with physiotherapy than with rest alone (Schneider KJ et al. 2013).
In the first 2 weeks post-injury our role is advisory only - advice is given on sleep, diet, fluids, mental activity, physical activity & stress management in the early stages. If symptoms persist beyond this, patients are fully assessed and treated accordingly.
Our treatment involves:
- Vestibular rehabilitation and balance rehabilitation: Concussion can disrupt our balance system resulting in dizziness, nausea and altered balance. Vestibular rehabilitation helps restore the vestibular system and alleviate the many symptoms associated with it. It is an exercise-based programme primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls.
- Ocular rehabilitation: Many patients post-concussion can suffer eye problems resulting in difficulty with double vision, screens, reading and headaches. These are often as a result of convergence or accommodative eye problems. In our concussion assessment and treatment we assess the ocular system and prescribe specific exercises to restore full function and improve these symptoms.
- Headache management: Headaches are a common symptom of concussion. Here in the Bon Secours we assess the different possible causes of your headaches, and use specific treatments and exercises to reduce and eliminate them. Treatment may include stretches, strength and motion exercises, eye exercises or hands-on techniques to the neck.
- Returning to normal activity or sport: As your symptoms ease, we will gradually increase your activity level including sport specific exercises if needed. Before discharge we will complete a full exertion test to deem if you are suitable to return to sport.
Making an Appointment:
A consultant referral is needed to access the physiotherapy paediatric concussion service.
A GP or consultant referral is needed to access the Physiotherapy adult concussion service
For further information or to make an appointment contact us @ 021 4801630 or physiocork@bonsecours.ie
Physiotherapy initial assessment for concussion is €100 , subsequent sessions are €75. You may be able to claim some physiotherapy fees on your health insurance.
