Concussion

Patient and Parent Guide to Understanding and Managing Concussions

 

What is a Concussion?

A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs when the brain experiences a shock following a direct or indirect impact to the head. This type of injury, often linked to sports activities, can also happen in everyday situations such as falls, car accidents, and workplace incidents. It is essential to recognize the signs early and act appropriately to ensure effective and complication-free recovery.

 

Signs and Symptoms

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person and can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional function, as well as sleep patterns.

 

Observable Signs:

• Brief loss of consciousness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Reduced performance
• Increased emotionality
• Irritability and nervousness
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance

 

Reported Symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Feeling of pressure in the head
• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Sleep disturbances

 

When to Seek Emergency Care:

Immediate hospital attention is required for the following signs:

• Worsening confusion or irritability
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Severe, intensifying headaches
• Unexplained behavioral changes
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Double vision
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
• Severe neck pain

If in doubt, contact Health Info Services at 8-1-1 or go to the emergency department.

 

Recommendations After a Concussion:

• Do not stay alone: Inform a responsible person (coach, parent, teacher).
• Consult promptly with a healthcare professional specializing in concussions.
• Avoid any risk of a second head injury.
• Rest physically and cognitively for 24–72 hours (avoid reading, screen time, or video games).
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Do not drive.
• Maintain overall healthy lifestyle habits.

 

Treatment Plan

A personalized treatment plan helps facilitate a gradual return to cognitive and physical activities. Management may include:

• Education and Advice: Guidance on recovery strategies and explanation of cognitive and emotional symptoms. Support for return to school, work, and sports.
• Orthopedic Manual Therapy: Effective treatment of headaches and balance issues related to neck problems.
• Vestibular and Visual Rehabilitation: Assessment and treatment for dizziness caused by visual problems, cervical receptors, or the inner ear vestibular system.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual reintroduction of physical and cardiovascular activity to improve cerebral blood flow and enhance strength, endurance, and coordination. Supervised, tailored exercise programs support a safe return to physical activity.
• Nutrition, Hydration, and Medication: Healthy nutrition aids recovery. Hydration is critical to prevent symptoms similar to those of a concussion. Medication use should be discussed in detail with the treating physician and pharmacist.

 

Conclusion

In most cases, concussion symptoms resolve within 7 to 10 days. However, persistent symptoms can significantly affect daily life. Consult our concussion specialists for a personalized and effective treatment plan. We work closely with healthcare professionals to meet your specific needs. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, contact one of our six centers today. Knowledge and understanding are the first steps toward a successful recovery!

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