Concussion Treatment in Edmonton

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs from a direct blow to the head. This type of head trauma can result in a specific set of clinical symptoms, which includes dizziness, confusion, and altered balance. Concussions are not something to ignore, as proper treatment is vital to preventing symptom progression and long-term complications.

At Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy, our team specializes in providing comprehensive concussion management in Edmonton. We understand that each concussion is unique and requires a personalized approach to treatment. Our goal is to help our patients navigate the recovery process and regain their quality of life after a concussion. For those seeking concussion therapy in Edmonton, speak to our expert team and experience the Revive difference.

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is a serious and potentially life-altering traumatic brain injury. It occurs when there is direct trauma to the head, face, or neck, causing a sudden violent jarring of the brain inside the skull. This can be a result of a direct blow to the head, a fall, or a car accident. Football, soccer, and rugby players frequently suffer from concussions because these sports involve a lot of player contact.

Concussion injuries can affect the brain, vestibular (balance) system, and the rest of the body. This can cause a range of physical and cognitive symptoms, including slowed reaction times, confusion, and dizziness. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe but varies greatly depending on the individual and the specific injury.

For most, the symptoms occur at the time of the initial injury, but for others, the symptoms can develop days or weeks after the incident. It is important that any suspected concussions are immediately assessed and a proper concussion management plan is initiated.

All Concussions Should Be Assessed Properly

The brain is a complex organ and even a mild concussion can have long-term effects on the way it functions. It’s important to take any concussions seriously and seek medical input. A doctor will evaluate the injury and perform a physical examination to assess which structures and functions are affected. Imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be requested to assess the brain. With the right care and support, people with concussions can make a full recovery and return to their normal activities.

As the onset of symptoms after a concussion may be delayed, all suspected concussions should be carefully monitored. Close attention must be paid to detect any red-flag symptoms. Red flag symptoms such as slurred speech, vision changes, persistent nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness require emergency medical input. Proper care and treatment are critical for long-term health outcomes.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome occurs when the symptoms of a concussion last longer than 7-10 days. The cause of post-concussion syndrome isn’t well understood, however, it may be linked to trauma to the brain. Treatment involves input from a multidisciplinary team, including doctors and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists.

Concussion Treatment Edmonton

Proper and timely treatment after a concussion is important. The treatment depends on the person, the injury, and the severity of the symptoms. The main focus of treatment is physical and cognitive rest, and treatment is typically guided by specific protocols.

A concussion management plan may include:

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be prescribed to relieve headaches and other symptoms.
Physical and cognitive rest: This includes avoiding activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games.
Adequate hydration and nutrition: This is important after a concussion to promote healing and provide the energy for rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and cognitive therapy are often recommended for individuals with a concussion. Physiotherapy can help with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and balance issues, and cognitive therapy can help with memory problems and other cognitive deficits.
Return to activity: A gradual return to normal activities, such as work or hobbies, is important. It is often recommended to start with a light physical activity such as walking or cycling and gradually increasing intensity, as long as it does not worsen symptoms.

It's also important to follow up with a doctor to monitor any symptoms and ensure the recovery is progressing. They will also determine when it is safe to return to normal activities.

Physiotherapy For Concussion In Edmonton

At Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy in Edmonton, our concussion management typically includes exercises to help with headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. As every concussion is different, we tailor our concussion management plan to each person. All treatments are closely monitored and progressed or regressed as needed. We also work closely with the medical team to provide comprehensive care after a concussion.

Concussion management at Revive may include:

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises: Our physiotherapists use specific exercises to help reduce dizziness. These exercises help retrain the brain to process information from the vestibular system.
Head and neck exercises: These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles of the neck, which can help with symptoms and reconditioning after a concussion.
Balance exercises: Balance exercises may be prescribed by our physiotherapists to address static and dynamic balance impairments after a concussion.
Manual therapy techniques: Our physiotherapists may use techniques such as soft tissue mobilizations to help alleviate any symptoms and improve function for concussions.
Education: Education is a core component of concussion management. This includes teaching patients about the injury, what to do and avoid, and strategies for improving health outcomes.

It is important to note that rehabilitation looks different for each person with a concussion. Some patients may respond quickly to the treatment, whilst others may require treatment over a longer period of time. At Revive, we ensure that each treatment is carefully selected and tailored to each patient to optimise treatment and recovery.

The Revive Difference

Our Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy team in Edmonton specializes in concussion management care. Our physiotherapists use specific assessments to evaluate the symptoms and determine the underlying structures that are affected before starting any treatment. This helps ensure the correct treatment and prevents the worsening of symptoms.

Treatment is prescribed by our trained physiotherapists to target dizziness, altered balance, and other symptoms after a concussion. Our team is focused on helping our patients recover as quickly as possible and return to normal life after a concussion. We also work closely with the medical team and refer to specialists for further investigations when needed.

Experience the difference with Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy. Book a consultation with our trained physiotherapists for a comprehensive assessment and concussion management plan.

Revive Concussion Treatment FAQ

The following are several of the most asked questions about concussion that we get at Revive:

Symptoms And Signs Of A Concussion

The symptoms and signs of a concussion typically include:

Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Confusion
Fatigue
Slowed reactions and reflexes
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to light or noise
Mood changes and irritability
Balance problems

Whilst some symptoms may occur at the time of the injury, the onset of symptoms may be delayed. Some symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the injury, and not every person with a concussion will experience every symptom.

What Is The Treatment For A Concussion?

The treatment for concussion is systematic and outlined by specific guidelines. It typically includes rest, avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, and gradually returning to normal activities as symptoms improve. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to help with balance and coordination.

How Long Does It Take For A Concussion To Heal?

The healing time from a concussion can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury, the person injured, and the medical history. Most cases of concussion resolve within 7-10 days, but the duration of recovery can extend longer in some situations.

What Is The Standard Treatment For A Single Concussion?

The key treatments for concussion are physical and mental rest. A doctor will typically be involved to oversee the recovery and may prescribe medications to manage headaches and other symptoms. The doctor may also recommend physiotherapy and other therapies to help with recovery.

What Is The Best Treatment For Post-Concussion Syndrome?

There is no singular “best treatment” for concussions. Concussion treatment is multifactorial and includes input from the medical team and allied health team. Optimal treatment may include a combination of physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, and medications to manage symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

Concussion Rehab At Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy

When a concussion occurs, proper treatment is important for symptom management and long-term health outcomes. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the recovery process for concussions by helping to address the symptoms and improve overall function.

Our physiotherapists in Edmonton are dedicated to helping our patients see improvements in strength, balance, and coordination after a concussion, and get the help they need to return to normal activities safely. For those looking for specialized care after a concussion, consult one of our experienced physiotherapists at our Revive Spine & Sport Physiotherapy clinic. With the right care and support, people with concussions can fully recover and get back to normal life.

References

BJSM. SCAT5. Available from: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2017/04/26/bjsports-2017-097506SCAT5.full.pdf

BMJ. Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. Available from: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/838

Physiopedia. Concussion. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Concussion

Fowler Kennedy. Post-Concussion Treatment Guidelines. Available from: https://www.fowlerkennedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Post-Concussion-Treatment-Guidelines.pdf