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How to Test for Concussion

How to Test for Concussion

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury usually resulting from a direct hit or a sudden force that causes the head to move rapidly in one direction or another. The impact can cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, disrupting the brain's normal function. 

While we most often associate concussions with sports injuries, they can happen to anyone. Children are at greater risk because of their developing brains, and should be treated with particular care. 

Here's how to recognize and test for a concussion, what to do if you think you or someone else has one, and when to seek physiotherapy in Edmonton, AB.

1 - Identify the Initial Signs of a Concussion

The seriousness of a concussion can vary, and it is not uncommon for their effects to be delayed. After suffering a head injury, you should look out for the following symptoms.

A headache accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision is a physical sign of a concussion. Confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating are cognitive symptoms of a concussion. If a child has suffered a concussion, they may have symptoms like excessive crying, unusual tiredness, and changes in eating and sleeping habits.

2 - Check for Immediate Symptoms with Simple Tests

If a head injury has occurred recently, it is essential to evaluate for any symptoms of a concussion. One method of assessment is to conduct several simple tests such as;

Memory Recall Test

Memory recall test entails asking the individual a few questions to check their short-term memory and concentration. Some sample questions are:

  • "What happened just before the injury?"
  • "What is today's date?"
  • "Can you name the months in reverse order?"

These questions can help you determine whether the person is indeed functioning cognitively and not exhibiting any signs of concussion.

Balance and Coordination Tests

Simple balance exercises can indicate how well a person is able to maintain balance. The first exercise is the heel-to-toe walk. The person being tested should walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other. The second exercise is the one-leg stance. The person being tested should try to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds.

If the person cannot perform these exercises successfully, the recent concussion may have affected their sense of balance and coordination.

Pupil Response Test

Examining a person's pupils can give a good indication of any potential brain damage. If you have a flashlight available, dim the lights in the area first. Then, using the small flashlight, the light briefly shines into the eyes of the person suffering a concussion. 

While doing this, closely observe the pupils' responses. Check if the pupils are responding equally in size and timing—are they constricting, and then, when the light is taken away, are they returning to normal size?

Unequal pupil sizes and a sluggish response may be a sign of brain trauma.

3. Monitor for Delayed Symptoms Over the Next 48 Hours

Concussion signs and symptoms may not appear for hours or even days. Therefore, it is imperative to closely monitor the individual for the next 48 hours for any of the following indicators:

  • Changes in mood: Increased irritability, sadness, or any kind of mood shifts that are hard to explain.
  • Sleep problems: Difficulty going to sleep, sleeping too much, or not being able to wake up after a long sleep.
  • Sensitivity to light and sound: An almost painful awareness of how bright lights and loud sounds can be.
  • Worsening condition: If a headache gets worse, or if a problem with dizziness turns into something more severe, go to the doctor right away.

4. Seek Medical Attention for a Comprehensive Evaluation

If you notice signs of a concussion or the condition is worsening, a doctor should diagnose and develop a treatment plan for the affected individual. Concussion treatment in Edmonton involves clinical testing methods, such as;

  • Neurological Exam: A doctor will look for any signs of brain injury by assessing balance, coordination, and reflexes.
  • Cognitive Tests: These measure the "light" cognitive functions of memory, concentration, and basic problem-solving, which help the doctor gauge the level of impact on the injured party's brain.
  • Imaging Tests (if necessary): If the case is severe enough, a CT scan or MRI may be performed to rule out any severe brain injury, such as bleeding or structural damage.

When to Seek Medical Help for a Concussion

A concussion can sometimes be accompanied by more severe complications. Get emergency care if the individual exhibits any of the following:

  • Repeated vomiting 
  • Severe or worsening headache 
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • A loss of consciousness that lasts for more than a minute
  • Slurred speech or unusual behavior 

These symptoms may signal that a person has a serious brain injury. They need to be seen by a doctor right away.

How physiotherapy Can Help with Concussion Recovery

An essential component of concussion recovery is physiotherapy, particularly when the symptoms that hang on affect one's balance, strength, or overall functioning daily. The physiotherapists who work with patients recovering from concussions understand this kind of brain injury very well. 

The benefits of physiotherapy for concussion recovery include;

  • Improved balance and coordination
  • Alleviating headaches and neck pain
  • Improved strength and endurance
  • Boost in cognitive function
  • Supervised return to sports and exercise

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize a concussion early, as doing so helps to ward off serious consequences. To help a concussed person around you, understand the symptoms. Do basic tests. Seek timely medical help. And if there is no improvement, visit the clinic.

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