Irwin Physiotherapy Concussion Care Program

 

 

So you have sustained a concussion – NOW WHAT?

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Onset of Symptoms:

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Symptoms of a concussion can take 48-72 hours to fully evolve after sustaining a concussion.  It is common to feel fine after the initial incident and then wake up the next morning with increased symptoms.

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The most common symptoms are:

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1. Headaches

2. Dizziness

3. Nausea

4. Difficulty concentrating

5. Light or noise sensitivity

6. Fatigue

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Note: This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms but simply the most common ones. 

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What should I do?

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1. Seek medical attention if you haven’t already done so

2. Cognitive Rest Strategies (7-10 days post-concussion)

   • Rest/sleep as much as you feel you need to for the first 7-10 days post-concussion. Your brain is attempting to heal itself and will require more energy from the body leading to both physical and mental fatigue.

   • Low sugar/high protein diet

   • No caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas, etc...) after 4 pm. Caffeine disrupts your natural sleep patterns.

   • Avoid large crowds or noisy environments (grocery stores, large stores or restaurants). Initially, the exposure to crowded/multi-stimulus environments will increase symptoms of headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and general disorientation

   • Decrease stimulus at home – avoid activities that bring on your symptoms but don’t isolate yourself to the “darkroom”

   • Avoid the use of computers, smartphones, tablets, and television. The lighting and screen oscillations on electronics can cause increased visual fatigue, headaches, dizziness and nausea.

   • Decrease the use of fluorescent or LED lighting in the house. Indirect lighting or natural lighting will be better tolerated

   • Wearing sunglasses in the house or when outside can help reduce eye fatigue

3. Remove yourself from all sporting activities where there is potential for sustaining another concussion – this removal will continue until you are medically cleared by your family doctor

4. Do not isolate yourself in your home. After a few days, start going for short walks outside. Choose a time of day that is not too busy on the sidewalk or roadway.  Keep the duration short initially – it is always easier to add time to your next walk

5. Seek physiotherapy to begin your rehabilitation journey

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How do I recover?

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Irwin Physiotherapy has a very specialized concussion rehabilitation program that involves:

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1. Initial Physiotherapy Assessment – The initial assessment is structured to identify the specific impairments that are associated with your concussion. This involves a detailed:

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•  History of the injury and a discussion regarding the symptoms that you are experiencing

• Physical examination that identifies any neck or upper back joint issues, visual or oculomotor (eye movement) issues, vestibular (balance/dizziness) issues or motion sensitivity issues

• Education with regards to the assessment findings

• ImPACT™  Neurocognitive Screen

 

The ImPACT Neurocognitive Screen is a computerized screening tool that is used to evaluate visual/verbal memory, visual-motor speed, reaction time and general symptoms. This is an effective tool used to monitor recovery during your rehabilitation and to establish your appropriateness for discharge and return to sport.