Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can occur when a force is applied to the head or body which causes a sudden deceleration or change in direction of the head, with or without loss of consciousness. The shear force applied to nerve tissue in the brain causes damage to nerve fibres and neurons impairing neurotransmission and neuroplasticity1.
The most common cause for concussion resulting in hospitalisation in Australia is due to a fall (42.8%), the second largest cause of concussion is motor vehicle accidents (29.7%), the third most common cause is assault (17.5%). In 19.3% hospitalisations, concussion was associated with a sport or leisure activity2.
Symptoms of concussion vary greatly between individuals but include some/all the following:
– Headache
– “Pressure in head”
– Neck pain
– Nauseas or vomiting
– Dizziness
– Blurred vision
– Balance problems
– Sensitivity to light
– Sensitivity to noise
– Feeling slowed down
– Feeling like “in a fog” – “Don’t feel right”
– Difficulty concentrating
– Difficulty remembering
– Fatigue or low energy
– Confusion
– Drowsiness
– More emotional
– Irritability
– Sadness
– Nervous or anxious
– Trouble falling asleep
80-90% of individuals recover from concussion in 7-10 days but for a portion of the population persistent post-concussion symptoms can linger for 6-24 months.
Our physiotherapists will be able to assess and treat the varied symptom presenting following your concussion, this could include a physiological assessment, cervical spine (neck) assessment, vestibular-ocular assessment, ocular-motor assessment, and dizziness assessments. Further investigations such as X-ray and MRI may also be required during your recovery.
Treatment is tailored to target your symptoms including; hands on treatment, sub-symptomatic graded return to activity planning, canalithiasis repositioning manoeuvres and ocular, vestibular and neck exercises. Treatment might also include liaising with other health professionals such as your GP, optician, psychologist, ENT’s and other specialists.
If you are suffering with any acute or post-concussion symptoms, feel free to contact us and book in for an assessment. Concussion rehabilitation can be confusing and symptoms are often misunderstood, we are here to help you on your route to recovery.
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