Dylan is one of a very few RMT’s in BC that is trained in Concussion Management. This specialized training allows greater care for this complex injury and improved recovery for his clientele.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a form of brain injury resulting from a direct blow to the head, face or jaw causing an alteration in brain function.
Concussions are generally misdiagnosed or NOT diagnosed at all! Most concussions in athletes resolve without treatment over days or weeks but sometimes recovery can take weeks to months as concussions have NO set recovery time.
While the majority of the population are still unsure of what to do for mending someone with a concussion, most will still try to resolve the symptoms with the “sitting in a dark room” approach. New research suggests this an outdated recommendation and may be detrimental to your overall progress when returning to sport.
Having a trained health professional who understands your condition andcan walk you through your concussion may prove to be invaluable.
A concussion is a form of brain injury resulting from a direct blow to the head, face or jaw causing an alteration in brain function.
Concussions are generally misdiagnosed or NOT diagnosed at all! Most concussions in athletes resolve without treatment over days or weeks but sometimes recovery can take weeks to months as concussions have NO set recovery time.
While the majority of the population are still unsure of what to do for mending someone with a concussion, most will still try to resolve the symptoms with the “sitting in a dark room” approach. New research suggests this an outdated recommendation and may be detrimental to your overall progress when returning to sport.
Having a trained health professional who understands your condition andcan walk you through your concussion may prove to be invaluable.
I may have a concussion. What should I do?
1. Schedule an appointment with your local physician as soon as possible. Most often, it’s not necessary to go to the ER unless your symptoms are severe (seizures, unconsciousness occurred, etc) or your symptoms rapidly worsen.
2. Get a good sleep as it’s NOT usually necessary to be woken up every few hours.
3. Limit exposure to cell phone usage, tv watching, computer time, reading time and things that DEMAND cognitive processing.
4. If you are diagnosed with a concussion, which legally ONLY a physician is qualified to do, visit us at Impact Sport and Health Clinic and we will begin Assessment which will hopefully be your start to complete recovery of your concussion.
How We Can Help...
Assessment
The physical examination provides your Practitioner discernment into the severity of your injury. The tests that you perform in the clinic will provide invaluable data that your practitioner will use to address any hindrances you may be experiencing and thus provide you a detailed rehab program that will be part of the ongoing management strategy. This testing that you may experience could be all or one of the following:
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Computerized neurocognitive testing
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Balance testing
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Standard orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (whiplash, muscle strains, etc)
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Other assessment and tests relevant to your concussion
Concussion Rehabilitation
Impact Sport and Health providers understand that a concussion can be quite debilitating as well as extremely frustrating. Not being able to return to school or play for your team as well as not being able to focus on your work all can play a large toll on increasing stress and ultimately your anxiety levels. Proper management is the key to help you expedite your recovery.
We will provide you a game plan for appropriate rest, discuss modifications for your employment and/or academia as well as provide challenging yet appropriate exercises that will help aid in your recovery of your concussion.
Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder in which various symptoms last for weeks and sometimes months after the injury that caused the concussion. Concussion Management practitioners have extensive training in the treatment and rehabilitation of chronic concussion symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Loss of concentration and memory
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Noise and light sensitivity
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)
Playing with a concussion increases an athlete’s risk for what’s known as Second Impact Syndrome. Second Impact Syndrome occurs when an individual who has a concussion sustains a second head injury before symptoms related to the first have resolved. If a subsequent impact occurs while the brain is in this vulnerable state, it can trigger a blood pressure spike and ultimately brain swelling of SIS.
DO NOT PLAY THROUGH YOUR CONCUSSION! SEEK HELP FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER!
Baseline Testing
Baseline testing is any combination of neurocognitive and physical stress tests which, when conducted on a non-concussed athlete, is meant to provide a helpful reference point in case of a future injury. If a possible concussion occurs, the athlete takes the tests again and the results are then compared to their original baseline scores.
Baseline testing can provide crucial data to help Healthcare Providers make educated decisions on your ability to return to your sport but should not be relied upon exclusively. Ultimately, your doctor should have the final say as to when you should return and you should always seek their advice before doing so.
WHAT DOES A BASELINE INCLUDE?
A baseline test could include any of the following:
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Neurocognitive computerized testing on memory, reaction time and processing speed
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Balance and postural stability using the BESS system
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Visual and Vestibular testing