Important Things to Know about Concussion Therapy

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a strong push to the head or body. The bouncing or twisting action alters brain chemistry. It occurs mostly in car accidents or sudden slips and falls. However, the majority of concussion is due to sports-related injuries.

Failure to take proper precautionary measures can lead to short-term effects. It includes dizziness, headache, and mood changes. Long-term effects include problems in concentrating, depression, memory issues, and issues with impulse control. It’s worth considering concussion therapy Calgary, AB. The skilled physical therapist helps your brain to return to normal functioning in no time.

Concussion Symptoms

You may see symptoms instantly following, hours, or days after the injury. It includes:

1. Physical

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Slurred speech
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Disequilibrium
• Dizziness
• Nausea

2. Emotional

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Personality changes
• Sadness

3. Cognitive

• Confusion
• Big changes in school/work performance
• Difficulty in recalling the memory
• Mental fogginess (lack a sharp focus)

4. Sleep

• Changed sleep patterns
• Drowsy

How Concussions Are Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a concussion can be tough. It is because the most common concussions, mainly due to mild head injuries do not involve any bruises or bleeding in the brain. There is no simple test for diagnosing a concussion. Below are the several steps involved:

a) Interview Testing for Amnesia Types

These include the documents of the extent of retrograde amnesia and post-traumatic amnesia. Both are vital because it will tell the doctor the important details about the prognosis of the patients.

b) Neurological Examination

After the doctor asks questions about your injury, the expert may conduct a neurological exam. It may involve tests of sensation, strength, reflexes, and other neurological functions.

c) Cognitive Testing

A cognitive test is conducted to identify the severity of concussion signs and how they affected your cognitive skills. It is a part of an on-site assessment of an injured athlete. Doctors use SCAT-2 and Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool to look at signs, memory, attention, recent events, and issues with balance and coordination.

d) Imaging Tests

Brain imaging tests are perfumed by the doctor to find out if the brain injury is severe and has swelling or bleeding in the skull. CT scan is the standard test used to evaluate brain post-injury. Magnetic resonance imaging is also used to determine changes in the brain that may happen after the concussion.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

Most people will recover quickly and fully after a concussion. However, few can have symptoms for several weeks (usually two or three).

Seek medical attention on an immediate basis if:

• Seizures
• Headache does not go away or is worse
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs that have not gone away after 10 to 14 days or have worsened
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Weakness decreased coordination or numbness
• History of multiple concussions
• Inability to wake up

Tips for Preventing Concussion

A concussion is sudden. Thus, it is tough to prevent. But there are several certain precautions you can take to get rid of traumatic brain injury.

• The use of protective headgear, eye, and mouth guards and padding, can lower the concussion risk when engaging in activities like Hockey, skateboarding, cycling, football, and contact martial arts sports. But make sure that the equipment fits properly and is well-maintained.
• Always wear a seat belt and drive carefully.
• Avoid fighting during a concussion to reduce risk.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get rid of clutter from hallways and floors to lower falls and slips.
• Always use home safety measures like block stairways and window guards.

Treatment for a Concussion

Concussions are not typically deadly. However, they can cause serious signs that require medical treatment. Treatment will depend on the severity of concussion symptoms. You might require surgery or other medical procedures if you have:

• A serious brain injury
• Bleeding in the brain
• Brain swelling

Remember, most concussions do not need any surgery or major medical treatment. Earlier, the standard concussion symptoms treatment was to get proper rest. However, today, concussion therapy is used to target specific symptoms.

Skilled Calgary optometrist at Premier Eye Care helps you identify the most suitable therapy for concussion teeth hurt symptoms. An in-depth medical exam may be required before returning to sports or activities. It is because few of them can cause further head injury and create big trouble in the future.