Overview
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 in treating all ages of patients, from school children to recreational athletes.
Concussions 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 symptoms
Concussion is a complex injury that can have many symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms (Kontos et al. 2012) are:
Recovery from concussion
The majority of concussions will resolve within the first few weeks (as per the graph below), but for some patients, symptoms can persist.
Physiotherapy and concussion
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 two 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 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 at Bon Secours Health System, 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 regular 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 determine if you are suitable to return to sport.