Concussion Management at Shaw Physical Therapy in Cardston, AB

A concussion is classified as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by an external force, such as a bump, blow or jolt, to the head or by an impact to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth in the head.

This sudden or abrupt movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull. These forces create chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretch and damage brain cells. These changes can lead to cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.

Post-Concussive Syndrome

Typically, the chemical changes that occur due to a concussion fade, and the brain reverts to its natural state, and there are no long-lasting effects.

Unfortunately, some individuals experience prolonged concussion symptoms because they return to their regular everyday activities before their brain was able to fully recover and continue to exacerbate their symptoms.

This is known as Post-Concussive Syndrome.

Second Impact Syndrome

If an individual sustains a concussion and their brain has not yet returned to baseline. Then, it receives another concussive blow, and these changes can take much longer to reverse or may become permanent.

This is known as Second Impact Syndrome.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a complex brain injury that each individual experiences differently. An individual will usually experience symptom aggravation with physical and/or cognitive activities that may otherwise seem ordinary and reasonable but are beyond the ability of the injured brain to manage at the time.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include, but are not limited to:

Memory problems
Confusion
Drowsiness or feeling sluggish
Dizziness
Double vision or blurred vision
Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Balance problems and impaired co-ordination
Slowed reaction speed and ability
Vestibular system disorders
Increased symptoms with physical activity or job demands

Depending on the state of the concussion (either acute or post-concussive syndrome), concussion rehabilitation will consist of one or more of the following:

Education regarding management strategies
Activity modifications
Gradual return to sport/work/life
Manual therapy for the spine
Rehabilitative brain re-training exercises