Concussions – symptoms and treatments
By Mike Seto
Concussions are a growing problem we encounter in today’s society and sometimes it’s difficult to filter through all the information and opinions out there. In recent years, concussion diagnosis has become much more prevalent as we learn more about how impactful they can be on our lives. In Canada, there are 200,000 concussions diagnosed annually, though there are likely many more cases going undiagnosed.
So what is a concussion? Put simply, a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can result from a direct impact to the head, or an impact to the body that causes the head and brain to shake back and forth rapidly. This rapid shaking of the brain results in damage and stretching to brain cells, which ultimately affects their function. Sometimes concussions occur after minor injuries, and other times people have quite major injuries that do not result in a concussion. You do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion, nor do you need to hit your head. A concussion can occur with a whiplash type injury. And although helmets prevent skull injury and are often recommended, they do not prevent concussion.
There is no one test available to objectively diagnose a concussion, so it’s important to know some of the common symptoms to help identify a potential concussion. Common symptoms experienced after a concussion include:
- Headache
- Light sensitivity
- Noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Cognitive problems (memory, multi-tasking, concentration)
- Balance problems
So what can I do to help treat my concussion? The biggest key early on in recovery is rest, both physical and cognitive (especially in the first 48 hours). You’ll want to allow plenty of sleep, stay well hydrated, and eat well. You’ll want to restrict TV watching, computer use, cell phone use, reading, physical activity, school, sports and socializing. Recent research suggests that reintegration of physical activity and light exercise after 72 hours is safe and can help to accelerate recovery. However, it is still important to monitor symptoms closely to ensure that your symptoms do not become exacerbated.
With that being said, it is important to note that no two concussions will be exactly alike. Though most concussions do resolve relatively quickly, within a few weeks, roughly 10-15% of people will go on to have prolonged symptoms. Know that it’s never too early or too late to seek help and advice from your health care professional team if you’re unsure of how to handle your concussion injury. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help guide you in your recovery.
Mike Seto is a registered physiotherapist at Glebe Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine.
